The Department of Health (DOH) reported that an increase is seen in the daily average COVID-19 cases for the period Aug. 10 to Aug. 16.
In a statement on Tuesday (Aug. 17), DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the daily average cases of the country from Aug. 10 to Aug. 16 is over 12,800 compared to the almost 9,000 cases from the past weeks.
“Tayo po ay nakakakita ng pagtaas kada linggo. Ang peak na nakita natin nitong pangalawang linggo ng Agosto ay maikukumpara na sa peak na nakita natin sa peak noong April 2021,” she said.
Moreover, the department disclosed that the majority of the COVID-19 cases reported are from ages 20 to 59 years old. However, a 74% increase in cases is recorded in the ages zero to nine years old.
“May nakikita po tayong pagtaas ng kaso sa lahat ng age groups sa ating bansa. Ang mga kasong naitala sa edad na 0 to 9 years old ay tumaas nang one percent noong Hulyo at 74% ngayong Agosto. Subalit walang malaking pagkakaiba yan sa kontribusyon ng bawat age group sa total dami ng kaso sa ating bansa,” she said.
Based on the DOH’s data, the daily deaths related to COVID-19 also increased in the zero to nine years old age group from June to August.
Meanwhile, the department still does not recommend COVID-19 vaccination for children especially with the age group of 60 years old and above still holding the majority of COVID-19-related fatalities.
The mortality of the age group of 30 to 49 years old also increased by three to four percent.
“Kung mababakunahan po natin ang mga nakapalibot sa ating mga kabataan at mga kasama sa bahay, we will also be able to protect our children inside our homes,” Vergeire explained.
She also emphasized the importance of the Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment, and Reintegration (PDITR) strategy to protect the children against COVID-19.
The department advises children aged two and above to wear a mask. If a child tests positive, the guardians must consult via the DOH’s telemedicine hotline.
Report from Mark Fetalco/NGS-bny
