COVID-19 cases up in all age groups, not just among children —DOH

Increase in COVID-19 cases in the country has been recorded in all age groups and not just among children, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

From July 13 to 25, the DOH recorded an overall 59% increase in cases among all age groups compared with the July 26 to August 8 period.

"Additionally, among the age groups, the highest increase was observed among the 30-39 age group and lowest among those 80 years old and above during the same period," it said in a statement.

The DOH issued the statement amid concerns over reported increase in the number of children contracting COVID-19.

"Naiintindihan po namin ang mga agam-agam at pangamba ng ating mga kababayan sa mga balitang lumalabas ngayon tungkol sa pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa mga bata," said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"Ngunit dapat ay liwanagan natin na itong pagtaas ng kaso ay nararamdaman sa lahat ng grupo at hindi lang sa mga bata," she added.

(We understand the public's concern amid the reported increase in the number of COVID-19 cases involving children, but we must clarify that this increase is being experienced in all age groups.)

In a 24 Oras report on August 4, Dr. Jocelyn Eusebio, chief of Philippine Pediatric Society, said children have strong resistance against COVID-19 but they could still be more vulnerable against the more transmissible Delta variant.

The Philippine General Hospital in Manila previously reported that all of the eight intensive care unit beds for children are at full capacity as they treat more pediatric patients.

In the same statement, the DOH reminded those eligible to get vaccinated to avail of the government’s free COVID-19 vaccination program to protect themselves and their families against COVID-19. —KBK, GMA News