DOH prepares for rise in COVID cases as public transport restrictions ease

The Department of Health is preparing for a possible increase in COVID-19 cases as restrictions in public transport are being relaxed, particularly on the number of passengers allowed, Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday.

Vergeire made the remark in response to the October 26 findings of the OCTA Research Group indicating that the easing of social distancing measures in public transport could in the next two weeks trigger an increase in new COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region—the epicenter of coronavirus infection.

“Sa pag-ease ng restrictions sa public transport, pagbubukas ng ekonomiya at iba pang sektor…we expect…kasama sa risk management ang pagtaas ng kaso,” Vergeire said.

“We have been saying that the virus will stay here for long but at the same time, we cannot remain in lockdown forever and paralyzed with fear,” Vergeire added.

Vergeire then said that easing restrictions should go along with being vigilant and strict observance of minimum health standards such as washing of hands, social distancing as well as wearing of face masks or face shields.

“There should be a change in behavior so that COVID-19 infection will not be as transmissible as it was before, at para maiwasan ang pagtaas ng kaso,” Vergeire added.

The Philippines has recorded 373,144 COVID-19 cases so far. Of this number, 328,602 recovered while 7,053 died.

The number of active COVID-19 cases is at 37,489. —LBG, GMA News