Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 2) — The government extended the pilot implementation of the alert level system in Metro Manila for two more weeks due to a high number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations in the capital region, a Department of Health official said Saturday.
While the number of cases in the region declined, the healthcare utilization rate in 10 areas was still around 76%, while that of communities stood at 100%.
Metro Manila is under Alert Level 4 until October 15. Lower alert levels are more lenient on economic activities.
“Hindi ho tayo pwedeng magbitaw muna dito sa ganitong alert level. Kailangan pa rin nating maging cautious because hospitals are still full,” she said in a Laging Handa briefing.
[Translation: We cannot let go of this alert level for now. We still need to be cautious because hospitals are still full.]
The alert status will only be lowered once congestion in hospitals eases, Vergeire said.
“So ‘pag nakikita nating lumuluwag na at bumababa ang admissions, that is the time we are going to de-escalate if ever,” she added.
[Translation: Once we see that hospital admissions are going down, that is the time we are going to de-escalate if ever.]
She noted COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 response of local governments will also be considered in the classification of Metro Manila’s alert level.
Why did cases decline?
The health official pointed out the new scheme cannot be solely credited for the downtrend in new infections.
She said this may also be the effect of the stricter lockdowns imposed from August to September.
She also said the DOH is confirming whether the decrease in case counts is “artificial.” She explained this possibility is being considered due to the recent drop in COVID-19 tests done.
