DOH sees COVID-19 cases increase in five regions

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday noted an increase in COVID-19 cases in five regions as the Philippines continues to battle a fresh surge in infections.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that aside from Metro Manila, an increase in cases was also observed in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Region.

“No’ng nag-umpisa ang NCR Plus bubble, nakita na rin natin na medyo tumataas na [ang kaso] do’n sa ibang lugar,” she said in a virtual briefing.

(When the NCR Plus bubble policy was implemented, we also saw cases increase in other areas.)

“Their healthcare utilization is also being affected,” she added.

Treatment czar Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega earlier said hospital occupancy in Regions 3 and 4 had increased

Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, and Laguna—collectively dubbed “NCR Plus”—were put under a “bubble” policy on March 22 in a bid to stem the spike in infections. 

NCR Plus is now under modified enhanced community quarantine, which will expire at the end of April. 

The Philippines continues to grapple with a surge in COVID-19 cases, which health authorities have attributed to new coronavirus variants, increased mobility, and relaxed adherence to health protocols.

The Philippines has 892,880 infections with 704,386 recoveries and 15,447 deaths as of Wednesday afternoon. — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News