MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said the country’s healthcare system capacity remains at low risk despite an increase in the number of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections.
Covid-19 cases have been steadily rising in the recent weeks with 1,340 weekly confirmed cases for the period Nov. 28 to Dec 4, 2023, the highest recorded in 19 weeks.
This translates to an average of 191 cases per day or 10 percent higher than the cases reported last week.
“While we observe (a) slight increase at the national level, our health system capacity remains at low risk with total and ICU beds utilization at 17 percent and 12 percent, respectively,” the DOH said.
It noted that respiratory illnesses, such as influenza and Covid-19, are anticipated to increase during the rainy season and the colder months.
Moreover, case transmission is expected regardless of the season as the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes Covid-19 continues to circulate.
The DOH encourages everyone to perform individual self-assessment and, as needed, employ layers of protection such as masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, isolating when sick, as well as getting vaccinated and boosted for additional protection against infection or severe disease this holiday season. (PNA)
