COVID-19 cases on the rise in the Philippines: 877 new infections and 116 hospitalizations in the last week
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 21, 2024 6 months, 1 day, 15 hours, 2 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines has reported a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, recording 877 new infections and 116 hospitalizations over the past week.
COVID-19 cases on the rise in the Philippines
Government health officials announced that they are monitoring the situation in all regions in the country and that there are currently no plans to implement travel restrictions. This
COVID-19 News report delves into the current COVID-19 situation in the Philippines, including new variants under monitoring and the country's overall response.
Uptick in Cases
From May 7th to 13th 2024, the DOH reported an average of 125 new COVID-19 cases per day. This rise is considered small and is lower than previously observed increases. Despite this, the DOH continues to monitor the situation closely.
"While there is an observed increase recently, it is small and lower than previously observed increases," the DOH stated.
Five deaths were also reported within the same period, all occurring between May 7th and May 13. Among the new cases, seven individuals were found to be in critical condition.
Hospitalization and Bed Occupancy Rates
The hospitalization data indicates that COVID-19 cases are being managed effectively. As of May 12, only 119 out of 1,117 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for COVID-19 patients were occupied, accounting for 11% of the total ICU beds available. Similarly, 1,238 out of 9,571 dedicated non-ICU beds were in use, which is about 13%.
The DOH emphasized that hospital occupancy remains low, and the health system is currently not under significant strain. The department continues to remind healthcare providers to report COVID-19 cases accurately and promptly, whether determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid antigen tests. This accurate reporting is crucial for guiding public health decisions.
New Variants Under Monitoring
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified four new COVID-19 variants under monitoring: JN.1.18, KP.1.1, KP.2, and KP.3. These variants are descendants of JN.1, which is a variant of interest. The DOH noted that further assessment is needed to determine these variants' transmissibility and their capacity to evade the immune response.
The KP.1.1 and KP.2 variants are currently the predominant variants in the Philippines.
KP.1.1 and KP.2 have been nicknamed "FLiRT" by some researchers due to specific changes in the virus's spike protein.
Current Health Guidelines and Precautions
Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases, the DOH reiterated that there is no scientific basis to impose travel restrictions to any country. The department remains in close coordination with international health authorities and the Bureau of Quar
antine to monitor points of entry nationwide.
The DOH continues to advise the voluntary and proper use of face masks, along with observing standard precautions such as hand washing, avoiding crowds, and ensuring good airflow and ventilation.
"Good respiratory hygiene (covering coughs), washing hands, choosing less crowded places, and ensuring good airflow and ventilation are tried and tested ways to prevent influenza-like diseases including COVID-19," the agency said.
It also stressed the importance of staying home when feeling unwell or wearing a mask properly if there is a need to go out.
International Perspective
The rise in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is not an isolated event. COVID-19 Infections are rising in Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands and many other countries.
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Conclusion
The recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, while notable, remains manageable with the current healthcare infrastructure. The DOH's proactive measures and continuous monitoring of new variants play a crucial role in keeping the situation under control. By adhering to recommended health protocols and ensuring accurate reporting, the Philippines aims to maintain its low-risk status and prevent any significant surge in COVID-19 cases.
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COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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