"A private research group has already warned of a sharp rise to as much as 4,000 COVID-19 daily cases in Metro Manila after Christmas."
Filipinos today will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in an austere fashion and a less festive mood.
The pandemic that has infected over 465,000 Filipinos is forcing many to abandon their usual plan of celebrating Christmas in large family gatherings, conscious of a super spreader event that could ultimately overwhelm the country’s healthcare facilities.
The current restrictions in the transportation sector and strict quarantine rules in many provinces are certain to discourage travelers from holding traditional family reunions that typify the celebration of Christmas in the Philippines.
A private research group has already warned of a sharp rise to as much as 4,000 COVID-19 daily cases in Metro Manila after Christmas, if Filipinos lower their guard and ignore the health protocols through the holiday season.
The OCTA Research Group notes that coronavirus infections have started to climb in parts of Metro Manila—Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon, Quezon City and Makati—as well as in neighboring Rizal province and some towns in Bulacan. It fears daily cases in Metro Manila could hit 4,000 by January or February.
The 4,000 figure is the “critical limit” or the trigger that may force health authorities to place the national capital region back under the stricter and dreaded modified enhanced community lockdown, which occurred in August when COVID-19 infections swamped hospitals.
But Filipinos usually find a way to mark the holiday season despite rigid health protocols and mobility restrictions. Extended family members, including young children, will gather to celebrate the holiday no matter what. Filipinos will still observe the Christmas traditions of salu-salo, or family get-together, and giving aguinaldo to children and close relatives.
For others, the celebration may be muted and devoid of the usual fanfare, perhaps because of the harsh economic conditions caused by the pandemic. Many have lost their jobs or been forced to accept lower pay just to survive. They will have to observe the Christmas season in a new normal and under trying and unpalatable conditions.