BY ARGYLL GEDUCOS
President Duterte is hoping that the new strain of COVID-19 will not reach the Philippines, saying it will be unacceptable because Filipinos have already suffered enough due to the pandemic.
Duterte made the statement after British Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed that a “new variant” of COVID-19 was discovered in England where it had infected at least 1,000 people in the southern part of their country.
In his weekly public address aired Wednesday night, Duterte expressed hope that the new strain of COVID-19 will not reach the Philippines.
“Nabalita somewhere in Canada or in America na there’s a mutant that makes it hard for the medical people to deal with the problem, doubly hard. I hope they would not land on our shores,” he said.
He also wishes that health experts can quickly figure out the new mutant strain as Filipinos have already suffered enough due to the pandemic.
“(I hope) they (health experts) can limit whatever adverse effect it would impose on the people,” the President said. “We have suffered enough, and to suffer more is not acceptable anymore,” he added.
Meanwhile, as Christmas nears, Duterte reminded the public to strictly observe the health protocols set by the government to prevent a surge of COVID-19 cases during the holidays.
“Christmas time is about a few days from now. Sundin lang natin ‘yung culture but there are rules to be followed at this time,” he said. “Please continue to obey the protocol, at itong mask. Kayong mga kababayan ko, sumunod ho kayo sa mga patakaran ng gobyerno. Para sa inyo rin ito,” he added.
Duterte likewise reiterated the importance of having a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Konting tiis na lang. Nandiyan na po ang bakuna. Wait for the vaccine. Unless walang bakuna, wala talagang pahinga dito,” he said. “I can never say I am safe here, or I can be safe ever until mabakunahan tayong lahat,” he added.
