Health expert says early signs of COVID-19 resurgence observed

Early signals of a COVID-19 resurgence had been observed though none were sustained, a health expert said Wednesday.

"We’re seeing early signals of a surge. Over the past month, there were three instances of reversals of the decreasing growth rates of cases," said Dr. John Wong of the IATF Technical Working Group.

"However, even if none have been sustained, we should take these as early warning signals and take the appropriate steps," he added.

Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) said that a slight increase in COVID-19 cases was observed in the National Capital Region and Luzon.

Health Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea de Guzman, however, said this cannot be attributed solely to the Omicron subvariant BA.4, which was detected on Sunday, and other emerging variants.

Further, the country and most of its regions remain under the minimal risk case classification against COVID-19.

For his part, Wong said the shifting from cloth masks to high-filtration efficiency masks will reduce transmission.

"With the resumption of work and schools, people are starting to crowd indoors. The adoption of hybrid work arrangements is one way to reduce crowding in the workplace," he said.

Wong also stressed the need for a faster vaccination pace. —LBG, GMA News