COVID-19 mascot paraded in Laguna

A mascot for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been paraded in San Pablo, Laguna.

In photos taken by netizens, the mascot was seen escorted by police while walking around the San Pablo Public Market.

The mascot was also spotted riding a vehicle of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Authorities said the red mascot, which has the protein spikes of the coronavirus, serves as a reminder to everyone to follow safety protocols.

The mascot was previously seen in a dance presentation prepared by the local government of San Pablo to promote hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing of masks.

A video of the presentation was uploaded on the Facebook page of DILG-San Pablo City and the Philippine Information Agency.

Some netizens slammed it as "senseless," "ridiculous," and a "waste of time." —MGP, GMA News