DOH urges caution on COVID-19 data after Quezon City reports 265% Increase

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it is investigating the increase in COVID-19 cases in Quezon City with the city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) but urged caution in reporting and interpreting data on the disease.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo issued the statement after Quezon City recorded 146 COVID-19 cases as of July 1, with the city government reporting that cases surged by 265.22% over the past three weeks.

The local government said that the number increased to 84 cases between June 11 and July 1, from 23 confirmed cases recorded between May 21 and June 10.

“The Department of Health (DOH) and QCESD are investigating these cases that seem to be isolated in specific areas or health facilities, where the close proximity of individuals may have played a role in the recorded increase,” DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said in a statement.

In response to the substantial percentage reported by the city, Domingo said, “Citing the percentage increase (“265%”) does not accurately reflect the small absolute number, and requires much caution in interpretation.”

According to the Health Department, Quezon City has logged 125 cumulative cases based on the data dated July 4.

This represents a 68% decrease from the 389 cases reported in 2025.

“Of these recent cases, only 17 (14%) required hospital admission, while 108 (86%) were managed as outpatients, and 70% or the majority have already recovered,” DOH said.

It added that there is also a “significant overall decline" of COVID-19 infections at the national level.

DOH reported that there are 719 cumulative cases reported as of June 20, 2026, while there are 3,579 cases reported during the same period last year.

It further reminded the public to maintain hand hygiene and practice other preventive measures, especially as water-borne diseases, influenza-like diseases, leptospirosis, and Dengue are prevalent during the wet season. –NB, GMA News