The Department of Health (DOH) is seeing an increase of COVID-19 cases in Valenzuela, Pasay, Malabon, Pasig, Makati, Navotas, Las Piῆas, and Manila.
According to Dr. Alethea De Guzman of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, the NCR is seen as “the driver of infection.”
“Meaning, ‘yung mukha ng national epidemic curve, siya ay madaling maimpluwensyahan kung ano yung mukha ng NCR kasi siya ‘yung pinakamalaking rehiyon (The national epidemic curve is easily influenced by that of the NCR because it is the biggest region),” De Guzman explained.
Authorities are also monitoring the situation in Central Visayas and CARAGA. Although an increase of cases was observed, the healthcare utilization rate remains within the safe zone.
Meanwhile, 40 of the 44 COVID-19 UK variant cases in the country have already recovered, one has succumbed to the disease, and three remain active. The active cases include an OFW from United Arab Emirates, a resident of Sabangan in Mountain Province, and a resident of Bukidnon.
Out of the total UK variant cases, 28 are local cases, 15 are returning Filipinos, and one is currently being verified. Due to the rise in cases and threat of new variants, an expert has emphasized anew the necessity of vaccination to achieve herd immunity.
“Kung makakapagbakuna tayo as early as possible and as many as possible, masusugpo ang pagkalat ng variant din and of course pati yung COVID na original (If we will get vaccinated as early as possible and as many as possible, we can arrest the spread of the new variant and the original COVID),” Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination elucidated. – Report from Mark Fetalco
