MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso urged residents to take preventive measures as he warned of a rise in influenza-like illness cases.
The Manila Health Department logged the following from Jan. 1 to Aug. 3: 845 influenza-like illness cases, 2,105 dengue cases, 111 leptospirosis cases, and 77 confirmed Covid-19 cases.
In his Talk to the People on Monday, Domagoso said in Filipino and English that "influenza-like illness [cases] somewhat ticked up."
"We also have confirmed Covid-19 [cases] but at a manageable level and they are safe," he said.
"Let us make washing our hands frequent," Domagoso said. "If you are sick, keep yourself away from your relatives so that [the sickness] will not be passed," he said.
Domagoso encouraged residents to wear masks in enclosed public spaces.
"It is not required, but we prefer each and everyone, in as much as we can, to wear a mask, especially if we are in an enclosed area. What are those? Shopping malls, offices or workplaces," he said.
Domagoso also urged residents to avoid a road if it has flooding.
Manila made Doxycycline available at the city hall, hospitals, and health centers. "That is over-the-counter, you can use it as protection if you are exposed to floods," Domagoso said.
The mayor said on Facebook that in a meeting, he immediately ordered City Health Officer Grace Padilla to ensure that "our public hospitals and health centers have adequate medicine supply."
Domagoso appealed to the public to be doubly careful.
