The number of new and active cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has increased in Taguig amid the city government’s “Road to Zero” campaign, which aims to have zero cases.

Taguig and other areas in Metro Manila have reported increases in COVID-19 cases, prompting local government units to impose new measures.

On March 8, Taguig recorded 55 new COVID-19 cases, 108 active cases, 184 deaths and 53 recoveries, compared to only 29 new cases, 54 active cases, 181 deaths and nine recoveries on Feb. 23.

In the last two weeks, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taguig has increased by 571 cases from 11,896 on Feb. 23 to 12,467 on March 8.

Amid the increasing numbers, the Taguig City government said it will not close the economy but is urging residents to observe health and safety protocols.

Mayor Lino Cayetano said “there’s no other way but to move and transit to new normal. We do not want to further close down the economy, we don’t want to go back to any more lockdowns. The city has been doing a great job in opening the economy while fighting against the virus. In the transition to the new normal, the city firmly believes that lowering our cases and preventing another surge goes hand in hand with the gradual opening up of society.”

He held a meeting on March 8 with the Safe City Task Force and city officials and ordered the stronger implementation of the “New Normal Ordinance of Taguig City” ordinance, which mandates the mandatory wearing of face masks, observance of social distancing, and mandatory reporting of infectious diseases.

Cayetano also ordered the continued capacitation and consultation of all business establishments for the safety and well-being of workers and patrons; encouragement of all Taguig citizens to avail of the city’s free reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing; dissuasion of household gatherings; and roll-out of improved programs protecting senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and individuals with co-morbidities.

"Taguig continues to have the lowest number of active cases in the National Capital Region currently at 11 active cases per 100,000 population compared to NCR's average of 59 active cases per 100k population as of March 8,” the mayor said.

He added "our data also confirms what the Department of Health has said about the lack of protocols leading to transmissions. But according to CEDSU and CHO contact tracing team, notable cases reported travel outside the city or Metro Manila. Thus, these patients with travel history had transmitted the virus at the time they returned. The city unceasingly reminds its citizens to immediately take the COVID-19 test to prevent further transmissions."