MANDALUYONG CITY -- Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), reminded the public to be extra vigilant and cautious in following health protocols as the country hits record-high COVID-19 positivity rates for two consecutive days, August 20-21.

The 2-week ECQ appears to have slowed down the surge in the National Capital Region (NCR). OCTA Research Group reports that the current R (reproduction rate) is 1.67, lower than the report a week ago which is 1.9. The growth rate has also gone down to 24% from a high of 72% 3 weeks ago.

“That said, we must continue our vigilant stand against the spread of COVID-19. Testing, tracing and isolation should continue to form part of our strategy at this time. Vaccination, in the long run, will be our most important strategy to get out of this pandemic that has caused immeasurable impact on lives and livelihood of many Filipinos,” said Gordon.

Gordon reiterated the need to observe strict health protocols like washing of hands, wearing of face masks and appropriate PPEs and social distancing.

The PRC continues to strenuously work in strengthening its COVID-19 response with more bakuna buses, more molecular laboratories and testing centers, more hospital tents and isolation facilities and is also set to provide meals through its food trucks for communities greatly affected by the pandemic restrictions. (Philippine Red Cross)