By Mark Fetalco
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the Delta variant has been detected in all cities and municipalities in Metro Manila.
A total of 119 additional cases were reported today (Aug. 6), bringing the national Delta case toll to 450. Out of the additional cases, 93 are local, 20 are returning overseas Filipinos, and six are currently being verified.
Eighteen of the local cases are from Metro Manila, 14 in Calabarzon, 18 in Central Luzon, 31 in Western Visayas, eight in Northern Mindanao, and one each in Central Visayas, Eastern Samar, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
New alert levels
To identify the severity of COVID-19 incidence in different parts of the country, the DOH announced a new alert level classification.
“Kaya po kami naglagay ng alert levels because we are in a crisis, at kailangan po natin ng agarang desisyon at aksyon galing po sa gobyerno. So these alert levels will give us triggers kung ano po yung mga kailangan na nating gawin at kung ano yung mga flagged areas natin,” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
At least 37 areas, including eight cities in Metro Manila have been placed under alert level 4. Alert level 4 means an area has been classified as moderate to critical risk and has a healthcare utilization higher than 70%.
Under alert level 3, the COVID-19 case count is high and increasing, and bed utilization is over 50%. More than 40 areas have been placed under this category.
Over 30 areas are under alert level 2, where COVID-19 cases are low and decreasing, but the healthcare utilization is increasing.
Nine areas are classified under alert level 1, where cases are low and the Delta variant is not yet present in the area.
“‘Pag alert level 1, usually we are at that preparatory stage. But when you talk about alert level 4, you should already do our plans for us to be able to manage the situation like expanding beds, should be done from alert level 2 to alert level 4,” Vergeire said.
The DOH reminded the public to have proper ventilation in their homes, follow the health protocols, and get vaccinated. -AG-rir
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