The Department of Health (DOH) warned of a possible rise in COVID-19 cases with noncompliance to health protocols after the OCTA Research Group reported a slight increase in the number of cases for the past weeks.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III supported the report but clarified that it does not present the need for Metro Manila to revert modified ECQ.
Among the factors that contribute to the increase in the number of cases are the crowding in evacuation centers and the movement of people in preparation for the holidays.
The DOH has advised to limit Christmas celebration to members of the household only, to maximize online platforms for activities this holiday season, and to postpone plans of traveling to provinces if possible.
Meanwhile, Duque emphasized that the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca will undergo thorough evaluation in the country. The Philippines has recently signed a tripartite agreement with the British-Swedish biopharmaceutical company and private sectors.
The DOH estimates that the mass vaccination may take place during the second quarter of 2021 wherein 20 million to 25 million Filipinos will be inoculated. – Report from Mark Fetalco
