The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) reminded the public to be extra vigilant in following health protocols even as the surge in Covid-19 cases seemed to have slowed down after record-high Covid-19 positivity rates last week.

The OCTA Research Group reported that the current R (reproduction) rate is 1.67 percent, lower than the 1.9 a week ago.

The growth rate has also gone down to 24 percent from a high of 72 percent three weeks ago.

The two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Aug. 6 to 20 may have contributed to the lower figures, Senator Richard Gordon, PRC chair/chief executive officer, said in a news release on Monday.

The NCR status was downgraded to modified ECQ until Aug. 31.

“That said, we must continue our vigilant stand against the spread of Covid-19. Testing, tracing and isolation should continue to form part of our strategy at this time,” he said.

Vaccination, according to Gordon, will be the most important strategy to get out of the pandemic.

Gordon reiterated the need to observe strict health protocols like washing of hands, wearing of face masks and appropriate protective equipment, and social distancing.

The PRC continues to strenuously work in strengthening its Covid-19 response with more vaccination sites and buses, molecular laboratories and testing centers, hospital tents. and isolation facilities.

It also provides meals through its food trucks for communities affected by pandemic restrictions. (PNA)