By Raphael Polintan

The Philippines is now classified as “low-risk” for COVID-19, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday, October 25.

The DOH reported a 48% decline in the daily transmitted cases in the past two weeks, with the national healthcare capacity classified under moderate risk.

Meanwhile, the average daily attack rate (ADAR) or the daily percentage of new infections within a population during a specified time interval dipped to 5.89 cases per 100,000 individuals.

Six regions remain classified under moderate risk, namely Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga Peninsula, CAR, MIMAROPA, Ilocos, and NCR, with bed and intensive care unit (ICU) utilization rates at high to critical risk.

Although cases in Metro Manila have declined by 53% in the last two weeks, the area is still included in the moderate risk category. However, Vergeire said that bed and ICU utilization rates in the region are considered low-risk at 36% and 46%, respectively.

Vergeire also reminded the public to observe health protocols as the holiday season nears and cases are once more expected to rise.

She urged families to “maintain their bubbles,” wear their masks, practice social distancing, and

conduct gatherings outside whenever possible if visits are unavoidable. 

“Nakasalalay po sa’ting lahat kung babalik tayo sa pagkahigpit at pagtaas ng kaso at maraming na-o-ospital,” Vergeire added.

Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr. Takeshi Kasai said that he is “very happy” to observe the decline of cases in the Philippines and other countries within their region.

However, Kasai still warned that cases would continue to surge as the virus is “entrenched” around the world.

The WHO is now looking into plans for the endemicity of COVID-19 in countries, focusing on protecting the vulnerable and preventing healthcare systems from being overwhelmed.

The DOH logged 4,405 new active cases along with 7,561 new recoveries and 149 new deaths on October 25, 2021. A total of 57,763 cases remain active.

References:

ABS-CBN News. (2021, October 25). DOH says PH now “low-risk” for COVID-19. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/10/25/21/doh-says-ph-now-low-risk-for-covid-19‌ 

Magsambol, B. (2021, October 25). After Delta surge, Philippines now low risk for COVID-19 – DOH. Rappler. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-covid-19-risk-status-october-25-2021

Ropero, G. (2021, October 25). Philippines now ‘low-risk’ for COVID-19: health dept. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/25/21/philippines-now-low-risk-for-covid-19-dohPhilstar.com. (2021, October 25). DOH: Philippines now at low-risk classification for COVID-19. The Philippine Star.Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/10/25/2136583/doh-philippines-now-low-risk-classification-covid-19‌