By Lade Jean Kabagani | Philippine News Agency
The massive vaccination program of the government has significantly contributed to the downtrend of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, OCTA Research fellow, Dr. Guido David, said Saturday (April 9).
For the past two years of battling the pandemic, David said one of the noticeable trends is having surge waves three to four months apart.
“Medyo sinu-support nga nito yung hypothesis na humina ‘yung immunity natin after a period of time — usually mga three to four months pero sa ngayon maganda naman ang kalagayan natin,” David said at the public virtual briefing.
He noted that it is also possible that the COVID-19 surge in the country will not happen.
“Kasi umpisa nang magkaroon tayo ng mass vaccination talagang na-control na natin, especially yung hospitalization. In fact ngayon, over the past two years isa tayo sa may pinakamagandang kalagayan sa Southeast Asia,” David said.
“We’re proud of that. Ibig sabihin kahit papano — may mga lapses tayo siguro sa umpisa pero ngayon maganda na yung pandemic management natin. Sana magtuluy-tuloy ito in the next years,” he added.
David said the country remains at a very low-risk classification, with the nationwide’s positivity rate staying at .06 percent.
The country’s average daily attack rate (ADAR) is still below 1 percent while the reproduction rate has slightly increased, but the COVID-19 cases are still low.
David cited that health crisis management and policies should be data-based driven in all aspects.
“Pag yung mga policies natin based on science at based on data, usually maganda talaga yung calibration ng ating response,” he said.
David is also optimistic that the next administration will continue the data-based driven approach of the government in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges posed by the global health crisis.
Meanwhile, David said the World Health Organization’s warning of a possible surge might come true if the public will ignore the health protocols and refused to get vaccinated with COVID-19 primary doses and booster shots. (PNA)
