By Joyce Ann Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Health (DOH) assured there is “no cause for alarm” despite the reported surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in some Southeast Asian countries.
“We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Nations). This gives us verified information, boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm,” it said in a statement on Saturday, May 17.
Earlier, Hong Kong and Singapore noted a surge in COVID-19 cases.
In Singapore, the latest data showed that the estimated number of COVID-19 cases in the week ending May 3 increased to 14,000 from 11,100 in the previous week. Its Ministry of Health said there is no indication that the variants circulating are more transmissible or cause more severe disease.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, said its “major surveillance indicators” of COVID-19 reached a one-year high, likely due to “changes in predominant circulating strains and declining herd.” Its health agency did not provide the total number of cases but said it recorded 81 severe cases among adults, including 30 “fatal cases” in the past four weeks.
In the Philippines as of May 3, the DOH said it recorded 1,774 COVID-19 cases this year, about 87 percent down from 14,074 recorded in 2024.
The case fatality rate is 1.13 percent and recent trends also indicate a “slight decrease” in reported cases over the past three to four weeks.
From 71 cases in the week of March 23 to April 5 this year, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country decreased to 65 cases from April 6 to 19.
“We are committed to keeping the public informed and will provide timely updates should the situation evolve,” it said.
“We encourage everyone to stay informed through official DOH channels and continue practicing the same preventive measures that protect from other diseases,” it added.
The DOH reminded the public anew to always wear face masks in healthcare facilities, stay home when sick, practice proper respiratory hygiene, and seek early consultation for symptoms. (PNA)
