DOH sees increasing COVID-19 cases in 53 areas

The Department of Health (DOH) has spotted increases in COVID-19 cases in at least 53 areas in the country, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday. 

Vergeire made the announcement as the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reached 269,407 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday. Of this number 207,352 recovered while 4,663 died. 

The number of active COVID-19 cases is at 57,392. 

“Comparing iyong August 31 to September 13 sa August 17 to 30, overall, there are 53 areas consisting of provinces, highly urbanized cities, independent component cities with percentage increase in the number of [COVID-19] cases,” Vergeire said in an online forum. 

“We are closely monitoring these and have coordinated with LGUs (Local Government Units),” Vergeire added. 

More specifically, Vergeire said that the DOH observed four new clustering of cases in Calabarzon and Bulacan province. 

“Hindi pa po natin talaga masabi na ang trend is going down,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire, however, clarified that the government’s COVID-19 response is getting better.

“Base po sa pagkaka-analyze namin as of yesterday, meron pa ring certain areas where there is an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Pero nakapagpahinga naman po iyong health system natin noong nagkaroon tayo ng MECQ (noong August 4 to 18), and we also improved contract tracing,” Vergeire said. 

The modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) protocol bans mass transport and only allows a percentage of non-essential industries to resume operations. 

“Nakakaagapay naman po ang ating health system so it is a good indication that we are faring better than before,” Vergeire added.

The National Task Force reported on Tuesday that over 24,538 COVID-19 patients were transferred to government quarantine facilities. —KG, GMA News