The country is again seeing a surge in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, particularly in the National Capital Region, according to experts who are monitoring the spread of the virus.
Masked Filipino shoppers disregard physical distancing as they shop for gifts items along Ylaya Street ang sidewalks of Divisoria, Manila, on 20 December 2020. Dr Guido David, head of the Octa Research Group based in the state-run University of the Philippines, estimate that Covid-19 cases could spike, up to 4,000 a day, from a current average of less than 1,500, by end-January; which they called critical and alarming. Many Filipinos were observed disregarding health and safety protocols when Christmas shopping and holding gatherings this Christmas holidays. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO