Some provinces and cities near Manila have also recorded an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
The number of active cases in Antipolo City rose from 120 to 140 in March.
According to the local government, some of the COVID-19 cases are family-friendly or those who live in the same house and become infected.
It is said that often family members who work or always go out are the first to get COVID-19.
“There’s a slight increase, but not as much as the numbers we’re seeing in Metro Manila. Hindi naman kami nagre-relax. Kung saan papunta ang Metro Manila, doon din papunta ang Calabarzon. That’s why we’re trying our best na tuloy-tuloy lang mga nasimulan last year,” said Antipolo Public Information Officer Jun Ynares.
“Ang nakikita nating biglang spike, they all come from one family or under one roof. Isa lang magkasakit, tatlo, apat na kaagad. Pero that’s nothing new. Last year, ganoon din naman,” he added.
As a result, the local government of Antipolo has intensified its testing and contact tracing.
“Kung kaya namin i-test ang mga kamag-anak na hindi considered close contact at walang sintomas, minamarapat pa rin naming i-test sila hanggang kaya ng resources ng government,” said Ynares.
Areas near Metro Manila record increase in COVID-19 cases
Payment for tricycle drivers is also cashless. Passengers only need to scan a QR code on the tricycle to pay.
Tricycle driver Rhoderick Zafra is in favor of this.
“‘Yung cashless transactions, okay sa amin kasi less na mahawakan ang pera. Kasi, baka sa pera rin manggaling ang virus. ‘Pag cashless, walang contact talaga sa pasahero. Maaalagaan pa namin ang health namin,” said Zafra.
In Tagaytay City, the local government has even tightened the rules on city gatherings due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.
“Alarming. Very alarming. Ang nakikita po namin, most probably, because of the movement of people. Also, people naging relaxed. Sobrang daming tao dito sa Tagaytay, maraming tourists. During weekends, traffic kami,” said Tagaytay City Health Officer Liza Capupus.
Participation in celebrations, such as weddings, birthdays, and baptisms, should be limited to the primary family member.
You still need to wear a face mask, face shield and have physical distancing at the gathering.
The celebration of festivals and videoke are also prohibited.