Cases up in 70% of provinces, cities but Philippines still at low-risk from COVID-19 —DOH

The Philippines remains at low-risk classification for COVID-19 despite 70% of provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities showing an increase in cases, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

“Despite 70 percent of provinces, HUCs, and ICCs across all island groups showing a positive growth in cases, it is important to note that the Philippines remains at low-risk case classification,” it said in a written response to media questions.

The DOH said severe and critical cases remain at less than 1.5% of hospital admissions nationwide.

Due to this, the DOH stressed the importance of minimum public health standards.

“Masking, ventilation, and sanitation are important interventions to complement vaccination in mitigating the risks of transmission among our population,” it said.

The Philippines in May detected the more transmissible Omicron subvariant BA.4 and confirmed the local transmission of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1, of which there are now 22 cases.

At present, the Philippines has recorded a total of 3,690,707 cases, of which 2,320 remain active while 60,455 have succumbed to the illness. —KBK, GMA News