The country has recorded a recent surge in coronavirus cases after some Filipinos have "abandoned" the health precautions against the illness, President Duterte said Monday.

The President appealed to the public not to let their guard down and instead continue to observe protocols to curb the spread of the new coronavirus disease.

Wearing masks, frequent washing of hands, and keeping a safe distance from others are effective means to down down the spread of the coronavirus, according to the President.

"Ngayon binabantayan namin (Now we're guarding) there's a big increase sa COVID. Kasi noong mga holidays, dikit-dikit ang tao. Ito na ngayon ang resulta, nagtaaas na kasi you abandoned the protocol (because during the holidays, people were in close contact. This is the result, the cases have increased because you abandoned the protocols)," Duterte said in his televised address Monday, March 8.

"Kasi kung magmaskara ka lang, mag-face shield ka, imposible na mahawa ka (because if just wear a mask, face shield, it is impossible to get infected)," he added.

The President said the public must be "put on notice" about the importance of compliance with health protocols after Metro Manila has seen an increase in COVID cases.

He insisted that masks should be worn in addition to staying a safe distancing from other people to reduce the chances of infection.

People, he added, should try to keep their hands away from their face especially when they keep touching objects.

"Alam mo maraming namatay, marami rin ang may sakit. Ang pinakamataas ngayon Metro --- ang Manila, Manila mismo. Ngayon, anong dahilan nito? Well, ‘yong hindi maniwala sa social distancing, hindi naman naniniwala sa personal hygiene (You know many have died, many got infected. Manila has the highest cases now. What's the reason? It because of those who don't believe in social distancing, those who don't believe in personal hygiene)," he said.

"If you think the other guy on your right side is coughing heavily, might as well just go away, move yourself a little bit farther. Parang ganoon ang --- wala ng ibang solusyon eh (There's no other solution) It’s always the mask, the washing of the hands at social distancing," he added.

Duterte said he hopes people will trust the government and health experts about reminders about public health.

In recent days, health authorities have reported over 3,000 cases amid the recent detection of new coronavirus variants, driving the total number of infections to almost 600,000.

As of March 8, the country has recorded 597,763 cases of COVID-19 with 12,521 deaths.

The Palace earlier ruled out reimposing a strict lockdown in the country despite the increase in COVID cases.

The country still has sufficient health care capacity and that the economy could no longer afford another lockdown, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.