Areas under highest alert level for COVID-19 rise to 54 — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The number of areas in the country that are under the highest alert level for COVID-19 monitoring has increased to 54, the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday as it added six more areas to the list.

According to data from the DOH, Zambales, and Guimaras were previously under alert level 2. Meanwhile, Antique, Bohol, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Cotabato that were previously under alert level 3 are now under alert level 4.

Below is the breakdown of areas per the alert level.

LOOK: Breakdown of areas per alert level for COVID-19. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/wTkATuQPiz

— Cathrine Gonzales (@cgonzalesINQ) August 13, 2021

Based on DOH metrics, areas are placed under alert level 4 if their risk classification is moderate to critical risk and if either their total healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) or intensive care utilization rate (ICUR) is more than 70 percent.

The DOH says rapid antigen test for areas with local Delta variant cases, granular lockdowns, and active case finding can be utilized in areas under alert level 4. There is also an “urgent need” to increase hospital beds in these localities. Supply of medical oxygen should likewise be ensured.

Meanwhile, Aurora was previously under alert level 1, and Nueva Vizcaya, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, and Surigao Del Sur were earlier placed under alert level 2 are now categorized as alert level 3.

Alert level 3 is raised in areas with moderate to critical risk classification for COVID-19 cases and has HCUR or ICUR of 50 to 70 percent.

Granular lockdowns can be considered for areas under this alert level and active case finding should be implemented. Rapid antigen tests can also be utilized in areas with local Delta variant cases. DOH says that LGUs should aim to decongest hospitals from mild and asymptomatic cases and increase hospital and intensive care beds.

According to the DOH, the country’s COVID-19 cases increased by 30 percent in the previous week. The agency recorded 10,459 average daily new cases from August 6 to 12, higher than the 7,987 average cases from July 30 to August 5.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated that LGUs should implement active case finding in their communities. She notes that “community-based active case finding and immediate isolation of those with exposure or symptoms cuts the transmission.”

“When in doubt, immediately isolate and quarantine,” said Vergeire, adding that stricter measures can prevent “devastating situation” experienced by neighboring countries.

“The Delta variant spreads faster and can quickly infect more people. But implementation of minimum public health standards and all COVID-19 vaccines continue to show protection,” she said.

The Philippines has 1.7 million total confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Thursday, including the 12,439 new cases that are highest in four months. It was also the second straight day in August that the country logged new cases that are over the 12,000 mark. Of the tally, 87,663 remain active cases.

/MUF