DOH Confirms Uptick In COVID-19 Cases, Issues Reminders During Holiday Season

With all the holiday gatherings and last-minute Christmas shopping, the risk of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 is higher.

In a media forum on December 15, Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro "Ted" J. Herbosa confirmed an uptick in COVID-19 cases, particularly in the week of December 5 to 11.

"COVID-19 is now just one of the many illnesses that causes acute respiratory infection. Mino-monitor pa din natin yan. We're still doing epidemiologic surveillance, and true tumataas yung cases," he said.

From 190 cases in the past week, 260 cases were recorded in that week, which Herbosa calls 'a minimal increase.'

Herbosa however assures the public that there is no need to worry because infectious disease experts state that the most recent variants pose mild symptoms only, like common colds, cough, and flu, unlike other variants that can lead to severe pneumonia and could be fatal. 

Nevertheless, Herbosa urges those who have elderly and immunocompromised family members to take extra precautions against any respiratory illness.

"Now, that doesn't mean it is not dangerous because common colds, cough, or respiratory infection ay pwedeng maging masama sa isang taong elderly na mahina ang immune system, sa isang [sic] bata pero madaming co-morbidity. So pwede rin ma-ospital because of that," he said.

Herbosa also explained why some hospitals report that their COVID-19 facility beds are occupied, "Nung nawala 'yung COVID, kinontian yung COVID-allocated beds, dinamihan 'yung para sa ibang sakit." He clarified, "Yes, there's an uptick, yes, some hospitals said puno na yung COVID beds nila, pero ang context nun, kumonti na yung COVID beds."

He then went on to remind the public, "Tandaan natin, maraming ibang sakit, there are many illnesses other than COVID, and 'yun ang ating i-focus, lahat, we'll have a more inclusive approach, lahat ng sakit bantayan natin hindi lang COVID."

DOH urges public to do own risk assessment, observe minimum health protocols

Herbosa maintains that it takes the cooperation of the public to stop the spread of these diseases. 

He encourages everyone to observe hygienic practices, cough etiquette, and even reconsider attending parties. 

"If you are [at] high risk, check the venue. If outdoors, safe ka doon, 'pag enclosed space and you have co-morbidities, wear a mask or don't attend, or stay for less than an hour," he advised.

He urged the elderly to take advantage of the available influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in health centers.

Herbosa encourages the public to do their own risk assessment to avoid acquiring diseases. 

"Health literacy ang tinuturo ko ngayon. I'm changing the narrative, 'wag fear. Be literate. Know the things that will cause you to become infected. Kung alam mo 'to, your actions will be correct."

He added, "Kung uubo ka, sisinga ka, lumayo ka sa ibang tao, cover your mouth. To protect them and to protect yourself. Wash your hands frequently. If you practice these principles, hindi tayo magkakalat ng mikrobyo."