The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded the public to observe minimum health standards as more individuals flock to cemeteries to commemorate All Souls’ Day.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said high-risk areas under the closed spaces, crowded places and closed contact settings (3Cs) framework should be avoided.
“Sana po kung magkaroon tayo ng ganitong handaan, pagsasalo-salo, unang-una let’s maintain our family bubble,” she said.
“Kung ‘di talaga maiwasan, may ibang kamag-anak na kailangan makita rin, alam natin na kailangan naka-mask, may physical distance, at kung maaari gawin natin sa labas ng bahay,” she added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also shared a similar reminder to individuals planning to set family gatherings.
“It’s also important that family members and seniors expecting travelers, expecting to have reunions are also fully vaccinated to minimize the risk of another surge,” WHO Country Rep. Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said.
COVID-19 figures
Based on the DOH’s COVID-19 bulletin, the country’s positivity rate continues to decline and is now at 8.5%, or back at single digit since March.
The WHO initially suggested a positivity rate of 5% as a benchmark of adequate testing and before regions can safely reopen.
The OCTA Research Group’s latest monitoring also indicated that Metro Manila has a 6% positivity rate.
The group said the average daily attack rate (ADAR) and 7-day average of COVID-19 cases in the region further decreased to 7/100,000 population and 901, respectively.
The region’s hospital occupancy also went down to safe level at 35% as of Oct. 26, while the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization is at 46%.
These figures indicate that Metro Manila is classified as low-risk for COVID-19, but the DOH said it is not yet time to be complacent. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG-rir
Watch full report here:
