By Alec Go
The Philippines may have 7,000 active COVID-19 cases by December 15 if the current mobility, compliance with minimum public health standards, and the 5.5-day period from detection to isolation of cases are maintained.
The projection, which was mentioned by Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in the Nov. 20 Laging Handa Public briefing, may reach 20,000 if the current numbers change.
“Kung saka-sakali pong tataas ang mobility to about 98%, and compliance to health standards will go down as much as 24%, tayo po ay makakapagtala ng about 20,000 active cases,” she said.
“Ikukumpara pa po natin iyan sa active cases natin ngayon, that’s about 24,000, mababa pa rin po at makikita nating tuluy-tuloy bumababa,” she added.
Vergeire reiterates that health protocols be observed despite the reported decline in the COVID-19 positivity rate of the National Capital Region (NCR) to 2% a month before the holiday season.
The Philippines currently has 22,070 active cases out of the 2,824,499 total COVID-19 cases. At least 46,903 have succumbed to the disease, including the 205 cases that were added today.
The official said those unvaccinated are “at higher risk of getting severe infections,” while deaths remain high among individuals 60 years-old and older.
Meanwhile, the DOH is set to issue the guidelines for the additional vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals and senior citizens.
“It is medically indicated and kailangan po ‘pag immunocompromised, it’s going to be called a third dose. Although pareho po natin ibibigay iyong choice ng homologous or heterologous para sa kanila,” Vergeire said. -rir
Watch the full interview here:
