Manila City residents expressed high hopes that the coronavirus pandemic will soon be defeated in the city after 172 barangays were declared Covid-19 free.

“Konti na lang, sana mawala na ang Covid o makahanap na ng gamot (we’re now close. I hope the pandemic ends now or a vaccine will become available soon). So we can bounce back. So many people are not only financially crippled but also facing mental issues brought about by difficulties right now,” Laurie Leslie Lee Tan said in a Facebook post.

Tan made this comment in response to a post of the Manila Public Information Office that many barangays have remained Covid-19 free since Sept. 1.

Despite this, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso reminded his constituents not to be too complacent and still follow the minimum health standards.

Domagoso urged everyone to continue taking extra precautions, wear face mask and shield, wash their hands, and observe safe physical distancing.

To recall, Domagoso announced on Aug. 31 that the city government of Manila will give PHP100,000 to any barangay with zero Covid-19 infection until the end of October.

Meanwhile, the Manila City government continues to intensify its Covid-19 response by providing free mass swab testing.

It has also given support to medical front-liners by improving healthcare facilities, intensifying contact tracing, and continuously building quarantine facilities.

On Wednesday, Domagoso led the opening of the city’s improved San Andres Sports Complex Quarantine Facility with a 54-bed capacity.

Domagoso said the new facility has bigger cubicles, proper ventilation, and own comfort rooms.

He added this is to assure that confirmed Covid-19 patients will be comfortable while under quarantine.

“Thank God. I hope that all barangays in Metro Manila and eventually in the whole country soon becomes Covid-19 free so we could all go back to normal,” Ofelia Gablino said in her post written in a mix of English and Filipino. (PNA)