Mask mandate should stay under 'Alert Level 0' — expert
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines must retain the mask mandate should the government decide to lower the country to “Alert Level 0,” an infectious diseases specialist said Friday.
Health chief Francisco Duque III earlier said authorities and experts were studying a possible Alert Level 0 as COVID-19 cases continue to drop.
“At this point, [based] on the metrics na nakikita natin ngayon, especially sa pagbaba ng mga kaso at healthcare utilization, if ever we will downgrade to Alert Level 0, mukhang ready na tayo,” Rontgene Solante, head of adult infectious diseases unit in San Lazaro Hospital, told state broadcaster People’s Television.
(At this point, based on the current metrics, especially the decline in cases and healthcare utilization, if ever we will downgrade to Alert Level 0, it looks like we’re ready.)
“We still have to maintain the wearing of face masks even in Alert Level 0. I think that’s the more important part of protection even if limitations will be lifted,” he added.
Solante also stressed that proper hand hygiene should still be observed and at least 90% of the country’s population should be immunized against COVID-19 to avoid surges in infections.
Metro Manila and 39 other areas are under Alert Level 1 until March 15. Duque said these areas are doing “so far, so good” even as most pandemic restrictions are scrapped.
The Philippines has been progressively easing entry rules and pandemic restrictions after a sharp drop in COVID-19 cases.
Health authorities have confirmed more than 3.6 million COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with over 57,000 deaths.
Bite-sized updates on the emerging coronavirus Omicron variant outbreak and third wave of the pandemic in the Philippines. — Photo by The STAR/Miguel de Guzman
The Philippines logged 599 severe and critical COVID-19 patients in hospitals on June 5, DOH sayd.
Out of the 2,632 ICU beds reserved for COVID-19 patients, only 386 (14.7%) were occupied.
From May 30 to June 5, there have been 1,295 new COVID-19 cases in the country. The daily average is now at 185.
Noong ika-5 ng Hunyo 2022, mayroong 599 na malubha at kritikal na pasyente na naka-admit sa ating mga ospital dahil sa COVID-19. Sa 2,632 ICU beds na nakalaan para sa mga pasyenteng may COVID-19, 386 (14.7%) lamang ang okupado. pic.twitter.com/8cVLPYkZUj
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) June 6, 2022
The National Capital Region remains the region with most new COVID-19 cases as of March 14, 2022, according to data from OCTA Research.
Metro Manila logged 141 new COVID-19 cases on Monday.
Among provinces, Cebu registered the most new cases with 57, followed by Iloilo with 56, Cavite with 23 and Rizal with 23.
Provinces with the most new cases on 3.14.22. Data was extracted from https://t.co/kM89DgrHW7. Any errors in data should be addressed to DOH. @dzbb @allangatus @News5PH @dzrhnews @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @dzme_1530khz @dwiz882 @ali_sotto @PhilstarNews @manilabulletin @ManilaTimesNEWS pic.twitter.com/Eda9eTFOSA
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) March 15, 2022
Among highly urbanized cities in Luzon, Puerto Princesa is the lone city that remains at moderate risk for COVID-19 due to very high testing positivity rate, OCTA Research says.
As of March 6, NCR, Baguio City, Naga City and Santiago were at low risk.
Meanwhile, Angeles, Dagupan, Lucena and Olongapo improved to very low risk.
HUCs in Luzon as of March 6, 2022. Angeles, Dagupan, Lucena, Olongapo at VERY LOW RISK while NCR, Baguio, Naga City, Santiago at LOW RISK. Puerto Princesa still at MODERATE RISK. @dzbb @DZAR1026 @allangatus @NewsRmn @News5PH @dwiz882 @ali_sotto @PhilstarNews @dzrhnews @EagleNews pic.twitter.com/OVqBboB2a1
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) March 7, 2022
The Department of Health logs an additional 941 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national caseload to 3,666,678.
As of Saturday, there are 49,374 active cases.
The Department of Health reports 853 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 3,665,747.
To date, there are 50,230 active cases.
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