MANILA, Philippines — 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 said Monday.
Vergeire, however, noted that the increase is not significant and has not overwhelmed the country’s hospitals.
“Marami pong pwedeng dahilan ang pagtaas ng kaso, unang-una, syempre, ‘yung ating minimum public health standards (MPHS). Pagkatapos nakikita natin ‘yung mga crowding talaga because of campaign sorties. Nagkaroon tayo ng bakasyon nung Holy Week. So these are all contributing factors,” she said on TeleRadyo’s Sakto.
(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.)
“We are not seeing significant increases as of this time. Most specifically mas importante po, du’n po sa mga pagtaas ng kaso na nakikita natin na bahagya ay hindi po natin nakikitang napupuno ang mga ospital,” added Vergeire.
(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.
Election day
Vergeire also asked registered voters experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to stay at home on election day.
“Unang-una, ang napaka-importante, kapag po tayo ay nakakaramdam na ng sintomas, huwag na ho tayo pumunta sa ating mga voting precincts. Maaari hong may sakit kayo at makapanghawa tayo sa iba,” she advised.
(If you are experiencing symptoms, do not go to voting precincts. You may already be infected and infect others.)
(INQUIRER file photo)
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.
Surge warning
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.