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Advocates Philippines
DOH Assures Public of Low Risk COVID-19 Situation Despite Increase in Cases
Photo credit: DOH
In the Department of Health's Regular Media Forum on May 2, 2023, Officer in Charge Maria Rosario-Vergeire assured the public of the low risk situation of COVID-19 in the country despite a slight increase in cases. She emphasized that this increase is not as significant as the surge in cases during the pandemic's peak in 2020 and 2021.
According to Vergeire, the country needs to increase its risk tolerance for COVID-19, given the current situation. She reported that the rise in cases did not result in an increase in hospital admissions, severe and critical cases, or deaths. The low risk of healthcare utilization rates in the country was attributed to the wall of immunity built by the vaccination program.
The DOH has recommended to the president that there is no need to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing, except for those at high risk and in high-risk situations. The executive order mandates voluntary masking except for seniors, those with comorbidities, the immunocompromised, and unvaccinated individuals.
Vergeire encouraged everyone to get vaccinated to further strengthen the wall of immunity against COVID-19. She reported that approximately 78.4 million people or 100.44% of the population are fully vaccinated, while over 23.8 million or 30.49% have received their first booster shots, and almost 4.4 million have received their second booster shots.
The DOH also reminded the public to stay home and isolate themselves if they experience COVID-19 symptoms such as coughing, fever, runny nose, body aches, among others, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Despite the low-risk situation, the DOH continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and observe health protocols to ensure their safety and those around them.
Arcturus Variant
The DOH has also reported that it is continuously monitoring the Arcturus variant and investigating the extent of transmission in the country. The agency is awaiting the next genome sequencing results to add to their analysis. However, DOH officials warned that the current positivity rate is not an accurate basis to determine the COVID-19 situation in the country since there has been a decrease in RTPCR testing. Instead, they encourage citizens to focus on managing and protecting themselves by isolating when showing symptoms and getting vaccinated.
The DOH also agrees with the proposed return service agreement mandating new Filipino doctors and nurses to work in the country for a year before seeking jobs abroad. However, officials stated that there should be mechanisms in place to ensure healthcare workers' rights while seeking career opportunities.
In terms of COVID-19 protocols in hospitals, the DOH does not plan to make any changes at this time. They aim to integrate COVID-19 cases with infectious diseases wards in hospitals. Officials have not received any reports of hospitals adjusting their COVID-19 beds due to the current situation.
COVID-19 cases in the Philippines continue to increase as of April 24, according to the Department of Health (DOH). There are multiple factors behind the rise, including the constant mutation of the virus and the behavior of individuals. Mobility, the opening of sectors, and the recent Holy Week and summer outings have contributed to the spread. Additionally, the practice of only testing symptomatic individuals has led to a higher positivity rate. The increase in cases will depend on individual behavior, and local governments will play a big role in monitoring and encouraging vaccination. The DOH predicts a possible increase of up to 600 cases until June, but hopes for a decline in cases after that.
According to Vergeire, the country needs to increase its risk tolerance for COVID-19, given the current situation. She reported that the rise in cases did not result in an increase in hospital admissions, severe and critical cases, or deaths. The low risk of healthcare utilization rates in the country was attributed to the wall of immunity built by the vaccination program.
The DOH has recommended to the president that there is no need to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing, except for those at high risk and in high-risk situations. The executive order mandates voluntary masking except for seniors, those with comorbidities, the immunocompromised, and unvaccinated individuals.
Vergeire encouraged everyone to get vaccinated to further strengthen the wall of immunity against COVID-19. She reported that approximately 78.4 million people or 100.44% of the population are fully vaccinated, while over 23.8 million or 30.49% have received their first booster shots, and almost 4.4 million have received their second booster shots.
The DOH also reminded the public to stay home and isolate themselves if they experience COVID-19 symptoms such as coughing, fever, runny nose, body aches, among others, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Despite the low-risk situation, the DOH continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and observe health protocols to ensure their safety and those around them.
Arcturus Variant
The DOH has also reported that it is continuously monitoring the Arcturus variant and investigating the extent of transmission in the country. The agency is awaiting the next genome sequencing results to add to their analysis. However, DOH officials warned that the current positivity rate is not an accurate basis to determine the COVID-19 situation in the country since there has been a decrease in RTPCR testing. Instead, they encourage citizens to focus on managing and protecting themselves by isolating when showing symptoms and getting vaccinated.
The DOH also agrees with the proposed return service agreement mandating new Filipino doctors and nurses to work in the country for a year before seeking jobs abroad. However, officials stated that there should be mechanisms in place to ensure healthcare workers' rights while seeking career opportunities.
In terms of COVID-19 protocols in hospitals, the DOH does not plan to make any changes at this time. They aim to integrate COVID-19 cases with infectious diseases wards in hospitals. Officials have not received any reports of hospitals adjusting their COVID-19 beds due to the current situation.
COVID-19 cases in the Philippines continue to increase as of April 24, according to the Department of Health (DOH). There are multiple factors behind the rise, including the constant mutation of the virus and the behavior of individuals. Mobility, the opening of sectors, and the recent Holy Week and summer outings have contributed to the spread. Additionally, the practice of only testing symptomatic individuals has led to a higher positivity rate. The increase in cases will depend on individual behavior, and local governments will play a big role in monitoring and encouraging vaccination. The DOH predicts a possible increase of up to 600 cases until June, but hopes for a decline in cases after that.
May 4, 2023
