Malacañang is not keen on declaring that the country has already won in its fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, saying there are still many people in the country that have yet to be vaccinated.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the statement following the report that Metro Manila, which was the epicenter of infections, is now at moderate risk.

In his press briefing on Friday, February 4, Nograles said that despite the country being able to ease COVID-19 restrictions, particularly the recent change in protocols for returning overseas Filipinos and arriving foreigners, it was not yet time to declare the country's victory against the pandemic.

"Maaga pa rin para magdeklara ng lubos na tagumpay kontra COVID-19 (It's to early to declare our victory against COVID-19)," he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the same thing on February 1: "It is premature for any country to declare victory."

The acting Palace spokesman reiterated his earlier statement that the Alert Levels System for COVID-19 response cannot be scrapped just yet.

"Hindi pa napapanahong tanggalin ang umiiral na Alert Levels System sa bansa habang may mga lugar pa rin tayo na ngayon pa lamang nag-uumpisang tumaas nang todo-todo ang kanilang vaccination rate (It's not yet time to remove the Alert Levels System while there are still parts of the country that are just starting to increase their vaccination rate)," he said.

Meanwhile, Nograles said that Metro Manila falling to the moderate risk level was proof that the country's calibrated response of prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, reintegration, and vaccination is effective.

"Matibay din itong paalala sa buting idinudulot ng kooperasyon at pakikipagtulungan ng mamamayan at pamahalaan (This is a strong reminder of what people-public cooperation can do)," he said.

"Salamat sa patuloy ninyong pagsunod sa ating minimum public health standards tulad ng tamang pagsuot ng mask, madalas na paghugas ng kamay, pag-iwas sa mass gathering o matataong lugar (Thank you for observing the minimum public health standards like the proper wearing face masks, handwashing, and avoiding mass gatherings or crowded places)," he added.

Nograles said the country can overcome the pandemic much quicker if everyone will get vaccinated.

"Magpabakuna na po kung ito ay available na sa inyong kinaruroonan at qualified kayong tumanggap, mag-booster po (Get vaccinated when it is available in your area and get your booster shot if you're qualified)," he said.

"Ligtas, epektibo at higit sa lahat libre ang mga bakuna kontra COVID-19 (All COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free)," he added.