Labella on flattened curve: It’s not over until it’s over

CEBU, Philippines —  For Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, "our efforts are not in vain" in the fight against COVID-19 with the city already flattening the curve.

Labella, however, reminded that this should not be the reason to be complacent.

"Sa akong tan-aw, we have fought the battle, but it's not over until it's over. Something much has to be done. Daghan pa tang angay himoon before we can say that we are eventually victorious in this fight," said Labella in a virtual press conference yesterday.

"But at least, at the rate that we are going, it's very encouraging. And, consider this as a challenge sa ato karong pakigbugno. We will never let our guards down. We will continue to fight this invisible enemy. We will never be complacent. Di gyud ta mokompyansa because the virus is still very much around," he added.

Per the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) data, the active cases in the city were at 335 on Monday, September 7, 2020. Only six new cases were recorded.

The total number of cases was at 9,692 while total recoveries stood at 8,699 after recording 20 additional recoveries.

Two new deaths were recorded that day, bringing the total deaths to 658.

"We are glad that we have flattened the curve... But, let us not flaunt this, let us not aggrandize this. Ingnon nalang nato, achievement among us," said Labella.

Labella said among the factors for the flattening of the curve are the massive COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, isolation, and treatment.

He said the 134 contact tracing teams organized were very instrumental on the drop of the active COVID-19 cases.

The mayor stressed the importance of vigilance even if the city is already under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

"I'm encouraged to see that many of our people have become compliant... I hope nga magpadayon ang atong pagkacompliant," said Labella, urging the residents to continuously follow the rules being enforced in the city.

Even under MGCQ, the restriction of movement was maintained.

For one, the requirement of quarantine passes and the mandatory stay at home order remained.

The mayor added a granular lockdown can still be implemented if necessary.

Five days after his successful gallbladder operation, Labella faced the public through a virtual press conference broadcasted through the city's Public Information Office official Facebook page.

"Gi-remove gyud ang akong gallbladder kay taod-taod naman tong gahubag unya naa sa'y stones. Taod-taod natong gahubag pero kanunay lang nako gipostpone ang pagtangtang kay tungod sa kadaghan sa atong buluhaton. Di man mahimo nga atong biyaan ang atong duties," he said. —  JMD (FREEMAN)