‘Brace for third wave of COVID infections’

While health experts have warned the people of a second wave of infections caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) once the enhanced community quarantine or ECQ is lifted in Metro Manila, Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco said yesterday the public should brace for worse.

According to Tiangco, the second wave of COVID-19 cases happened when community transmission of the virus was first reported in March.

“The public should be ready for a third wave if the ECQ is lifted on May 15,” Tiangco said on his Facebook account.

He echoed the view of epidemiologist John Wong that the first wave of infections happened in January when the Philippines recorded its first COVID-19 case involving a Chinese tourist.

Tiangco said the second wave is now taking place, with community transmission infecting at least 10,000 Filipinos already, mostly in Metro Manila.

“A third wave is not far from happening if we do not comply with quarantine protocols,” he said.

With the city entering its third day of extreme lockdown today, Tiangco appealed to the residents to stay home.

Under the lockdown, each barangay has alternate schedules of going to the market to reduce the number of shoppers per day.

At least 65 people were accosted by authorities for violating the lockdown.

As of Wednesday, there were 54 cases of COVID-19 in Navotas.

Manila b’gay execs face graft raps

In Manila, graft charges will be filed against six barangay officials over alleged irregularities in the distribution of cash aid and food packs to the residents, city hall said.

Mayor Isko Moreno ordered authorities to investigate Irene Padasas, Edgardo Fojas, Erwin Catacutan Jr., Rodrigo Villarde and Joey Uy Jamisola.

They were among the 46 barangay officials who were ordered to explain why charges of violating the Bayanihan law should not be filed against them.

In Parañaque, some 10,000 individuals have been tested for COVID-19.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the spike in COVID-19 cases was due to the city’s expanded mass testing.

The city recorded 555 COVID-19 infections.