The Philippines has again recorded more than 2,000 cases of COVID-19 from the 937 count last January 5, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The OCTA Research Group explained that it is “mostly due to the holiday” when the trend decreased “by more than 40 percent.”
Data show that the recorded cases from January 6 to January 10 played between 1,047 to 1,906.
“So ngayon parang bumabawi. Kung baga, parang inutang natin noong holiday, mababa ‘yung cases. Ngayon bumabawi. Pero in addition to that, may possible surge pa na mangyayari (It’s like we borrowed it from the holiday when cases were low. Now it’s getting back. In addition to that, a surge may be possible),” Prof. Guido David explained.
The reproduction number of COVID-19 in Mega Manila has reached 1.13, which means more than one person can get infected. This can be prevented if physical distancing is observed.
The OCTA Research Group said if cases continue to rise until the end of January, total cases nationwide may breach the 500,000 count. With the reported violation of physical distancing protocols during the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo which has been considered as a superspreader event, the Healthcare Professional Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) is now expecting further increase in the number of cases.
“Mula nga noong isang buwan, nagbibigay na kami ng paalala sa lahat dahil alam namin na magkakaroon ng maraming pagtitipon na binabalak dahil sa Pasko, so natatakot kami na talagang dumami ang kaso (We have been issuing warnings since last month amid the planned gatherings for Christmas because we were afraid of a case spike),” HPAAC convenor Dr. Leonila Dans recalled.
“Tapos darating pa itong malaking pagtitipon nila dahil nga sa Nazareno. Talagang pwedeng sumobra ang magkokonsulta sa ating mga ospital at hindi na kakayanin ng ating mga healthcare workers (Then came the large gathering due to the Nazareno. Hospitals may have a surge in consultations which may overwhelm healthcare workers),” Dans added.
Attendees of the Black Nazarene feast over the weekend have been advised to undergo quarantine for 14 days, monitor possible symptoms and coordinate with their barangays in case they experience such. They have also been told to avoid contact with old and vulnerable individuals. – Report from Mark Fetalco
