The Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday that all the country’s regions still remain at low risk for COVID-19.
While there is an observed uptick in cases recently, the DOH noted that it is small and lower than previously observed increases.
Out of the new cases reported, seven (7) had severe or critical disease. Five (5) deaths were recorded, which occurred in the recent two weeks (April 30 to May 13).
Although there’s a reported rise in coronavirus cases in other countries, the DOH said there is no scientific basis for the Philippines to impose travel restrictions.
The DOH remains in close coordination with international health authorities. It added that its Bureau of Quarantine is keeping watch over points of entry nationwide.
The voluntary use of face masks should be done properly, along with standard precautions like hand washing, avoiding crowds, and choosing good airflow.
As of May 12, 2024, the DOH reported that only 11 percent (119 out of 1,117) of dedicated COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds were occupied. Only 13 percent (1,238 out of 9,571) of dedicated COVID-19 non-ICU beds, meanwhile, were occupied.
Severe and critical COVID-19 cases admitted in various hospitals total to only 116, based on hospital reports in the DOH Data Collect application.
From May 7 to 13, 2024, 877 new COVID-19 cases were reported, with an average of 125 cases reported per day.
“It is important to note that by law, doctors, their clinics, hospitals and other facilities are required to accurately and immediately report cases of COVID-19, whether tested by PCR or rapid antigen test,” the DOH said.
“This will help guide public health decision-making,” it added.
According to a May 17, 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Epidemiological Update, there are three new variants under monitoring (VUM): JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3. All of these are descendants of JN.1.
Variants KP.2 and KP.3 are the proper names of what is informally known as “FLiRT” variants.
FLiRT is a nickname coined by some researchers to describe amino acid changes in the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein, specifically from phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456, and from arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346.
The WHO observed that “there are currently no reported laboratory or epidemiological reports indicating any association between VOIs (variants of interest) / VUMs and increased disease severity.”
The above means that there is no evidence now that the KP.2 and KP.3 variants are causing severe to critical COVID-19, both locally and internationally.
Further assessment is needed to determine transmissibility and capacity to evade immune response.
It is also best for those who feel ill to stay at home for the meantime, or to properly wear a mask should there be a need to go out, the DOH advised.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline DOH acknowledges uptick in COVID-19 cases, but says PH remains at low risk