DOH denies rumor of ‘artificial’ COVID-19 surge before May 9 polls

By Katrina Gracia Consebido

 

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, April 30, denied rumors it will report an “artificial” increase in COVID-19 cases close before the May 9 polls.

In an advisory, DOH stressed that the country’s high vaccination coverage for the primary series of the COVID-19 vaccines and the public’s “very good” compliance to minimum public health standards have resulted in low COVID-19 case trends.

The Health department noted that the country’s average daily COVID-19 tally is at 195.

The DOH added that it uses other metrics such as healthcare utilization to evaluate and recommend to higher authorities if an escalation or de-escalation of Alert Levels is warranted.

“Instead of spreading false and unverified information, we can all do our part in preventing further transmission and avoiding further restrictions caused by COVID-19 pandemic by wearing the best-fitted mask, isolate when sick, double up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensuring good airflow,” DOH said.

The DOH issued the advisory in response to a social media post claiming that the government will release a bulletin of COVID-19 surge two days before the national and local elections. -gb 

 

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