Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan called on Manileños to take extra precaution against the new variant of Covid-19 called "FLiRT" and to follow the basic health protocols.
According to the mayor, the city has recently registered 10 cases, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in the city to 28.
Lacuna-Pangan cited that many of her friends have elderly loved ones who are currently confined in various hospitals after being infected with the new variant.
She said it would no longer be difficult to revert to the said health practices once again, citing how everyone had been used to the "new normal" protocols like wearing of face masks when in crowded areas, washing or sanitizing hands and distancing from crowds, especially from those manifesting flu-like symptoms.
The mayor also emphasized the need to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety against the new variant.
She reminded the public that the vaccines injected during the pandemic are not meant to address the new Covid variant.
She added that the efficacy of the vaccines taken at the height of the pandemic have already waned in the passing of time.
"Unti-unti na namang tumataas ang bilang ng mga nagkakaron ng Covid sa ating lungsod (The number of people with Covid in our city is gradually increasing)," the mayor said.
In cautioning the residents, the mayor also cited news reports that Singapore recorded at least 25,000 new cases in just a week.
"Wala pa pong bagong bakuna na ibinibigay laban dito kaya mag-ingat tayong lahat, especially for those who belong to the high-risk groups like the very young and seniors, the immuno-compromised, the PWDs, those who are pregnant and those already with symptoms (There is no new vaccine given against it yet so let's all be careful, especially for those who belong to the high-risk groups like the very young and seniors, the immuno-compromised, the PWDs, those who are pregnant and those already with symptoms)," Lacuna-Pangan said.
"Mag-ingat po kayo at tandaan n'yo, wala na tayong available na vaccine against Covid at kahit me available, hindi ito ang tamang vaccine panlaban sa bagong variant ng Covid (Be careful and remember, we no longer have available vaccine against Covid and even if it is available, it is not the right vaccine against the new variant of Covid)," she added.