THE Department of Health (DOH) assured the public that there is no cause for alarm despite a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in parts of Asia, including Southeast Asian countries.
“We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” the agency said in a statement last Saturday.
“This gives us verified information, boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm.”
Countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong have reported a rise in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks.
But DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa reassured the public that COVID-19 cases in the Philippines remain low, with only 1,774 cases recorded from January to May 3—87% lower than the 14,074 cases reported during the same period last year.
And although they reported 65 new infections from April 6 to 19, it was still slightly lower than the 71 cases recorded three weeks earlier.
“Nababantayan ng DOH ang naireport na pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa ilang bansa sa Asia,” said Herbosa.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, recent data showed that estimated COVID-19 cases rose to 14,000 in the week ending May 3, up from 11,100 the week before.
Hongkong reported that its key COVID-19 indicators hit a one-year high, likely due to new virus strains and reduced herd immunity. There were also 30 alleged fatalities due to the new virus strain.
The DOH once again reminded the public to wear face masks in healthcare settings, stay home when feeling unwell, follow proper respiratory hygiene, and consult a doctor early when symptoms appear.
