A Catholic bishop in the northern Philippines renewed his call for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as cases of infection continue to rise in many parts of the country.
“Let us get vaccinated for our future, a future that is safe, orderly, and beautiful,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga in an interview over Radio Veritas 846.
The prelate said getting vaccinated is a symbol of hope that the crisis brought about by the pandemic will soon end. He said it is not only a move to protect oneself but also others.
Bishop Santos said he agrees with proposals to hold “house-to-house vaccination” in remote villages and for the elderly and the sick.
The independent OCTA Research group on Monday, January 24, reported that seven highly urbanized cities have logged record new COVID-19 infections on Sunday.
Topping the list is Davao City with 1,831 new cases, followed by Baguio (902), Iloilo City (793), Bacolod (347), Butuan (310), Mandaue (285), and General Santos (188).
OCTA research fellow Guido David said the cities’ reproduction number — the average number of individuals being infected by a positive case — is all “very high” at more than one.
On Sunday, the Philippines 29,828 new COVID-19 cases.