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QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Outgoing Communications Secretary and acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar has allayed fears that the increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila could lead to higher alert level classification or lockdown.

This, after the Department of Health (DOH) announced that COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila are “starting to peak.”

“Sinabi naman ni Usec. Vergeire na (Usec. Vergeire said) it's not a cause for another surge. Pero kailangan tayong mag-ingat talaga kasi (But we really have to be careful because) it's not only in the Philippines pero meron din sa ibang bansa (but in other countries as well)…you know it's bound to happen, kasi nagbukas na nga iyong ekonomiya eh (because we have reopened the economy),” Andanar said on Tuesday.

The official also reminded Filipinos to continue observing minimum public health standards.

“Wear your masks, social distancing, wash your hands,” he said.

Andanar acknowledged that it is difficult to avoid crowds nowadays since all establishments in areas under Alert Level 1 are now allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity as long as proof of full vaccination is presented.

“You just really have to be careful, drink your vitamins, eat healthy, don't stay up late, and sleep long,” he added. (PIA-NCR)