MANILA, April 25 (Philippines Daily Inquirer/ANN): Large election campaign crowds, non- compliance with health protocols, and increased mobility may have contributed to the slight uptick in Covid-19 cases, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (pic) said on Monday.
Vergeire, however, noted that the increase is not significant and has not overwhelmed the country’s hospitals.
"There are many reasons why COVID-19 cases are rising, first, our minimum public health standards. Then, there’s crowding because of campaign sorties and the Holy Week break," she said on TeleRadyo’s Sakto during a special interview session.
" We are not seeing significant increases as of this time. More importantly, the slight increase of cases has not overwhelmed our hospitals."
The Department of Health (DOH) over the weekend reported that 13 areas outside Metro Manila logged an increase in Covid-19 cases.
These areas are Marinduque, Surigao del Sur, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Batanes, Quirino, Catanduanes, Eastern Samar, Davao City, Butuan City, Olongapo City, Tarlac City, and Angeles City.
Vergeire also asked registered voters experiencing Covid-19 symptoms to stay at home on election day.
"(If you are experiencing symptoms, do not go to voting precincts. You may already be infected and infect others," she said.
"Should a voter with symptoms still go to his/her voting precinct on election day, he/she can cast his/her vote in an isolated polling precinct installed by the Commission on Elections."
The DOH has also warned of possible Covid-19 surge by May, explaining that a 50-percent decrease in MPHS compliance may result in up to 60,000 fresh infections per day.
As of April 24, the Philippines has logged 3,684,500 confirmed Covid-19 cases. Of the figure, 13,660 are active. - Philippines Daily Inquirer/ANN
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