This Week in Metro Manila (February 8 to 14, 2020)

Jackets and sweaters will be very useful in Metro Manila due to the cold winds of the northeast monsoon. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated that the chilly weather will persist but will weaken by the 3rd week of February [1]. The lowest temperature recorded in Manila this year was 18.5 °C last February 1. For this week, the temperature will slowly turn warm again with a range of 30 °C to 33 °C during the day. Night time will remain cool with a temperature of 22 °C to 24 °C. Besides jackets and sweaters, umbrellas are also useful since there’s a small chance of rainfall on some days of the week [2].

The Skyway Stage 3 will be reopened in July instead of April as portions of the infrastructure collapsed due to a warehouse fire in Pandacan, Manila. The delay in the construction is expected to affect the traffic flow around the area, but San Miguel Corporation promises a 24/7 work to speed up construction and repairs [3].

Due to overwhelming public support, the Pasig City ferry service will extend its free ride trial until the end of the month. The trial was supposed to last until January 31, but the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) extended the duration for the public. The ferry service is found to be a great alternative for commuters, since land travels are often affected by heavy traffic [4].

The DOH advises the public to avoid hoarding face masks. The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) said that the use of face masks is not yet recommended for those who do not have respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficulty in breathing [5]. Good hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the virus, according to RITM.

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines INC (PHAPi) also assures the public that hospitals in the country are prepared to handle suspected cases of the 2019-novel coronavirus. Those who are seen to possess symptoms will be immediately deferred to any of the DOH hospitals to be treated and observed. These facilities have one or two isolation rooms designed to prevent contagious diseases from spreading [6].

Tourists can now visit Fort Santiago dungeons from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM every day. Entrance to this historic landmark will be PhP75 for adults and PhP50 for students, seniors, and PWDs [7].

Go to Yoorekka for more travel updates about Metro Manila.