DOH: Relaxed restrictions, LGU response possible factors for recent surge in COVID-19 cases

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said the easing of quarantine restrictions and the relaxed response of local government units (LGUs) might have contributed to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

"Nakikita natin na may iba't ibang factors that may have caused this increase in the number of cases," DOH spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

"Unang una na rin po 'yung easing of restrictions at nakikita natin na medyo hindi po nasusunod 'yung pag-comply natin sa minimum public health standards," she said.

"Isa pang nakikita nating factor would be the response of our local governments. Kailangan lang pag-igtingin pa ang response lalong lalo na ang mga ginagawang quarantine and isolation protocols," Vergeire added.

Vergeire made the statement as the country's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 571,327 on Friday after the department reported 2,651 new infections as eight laboratories failed to submit data on time.

This is the highest number of COVID-19 infections reported in a single day for this year. -MDM, GMA News