Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 15) — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured the public on Friday that the recent spike in COVID-19 cases is nothing to worry about, adding that most variants now are only like the common cough and cold.
Herbosa, however, warned that the virus is still dangerous for vulnerable sectors.We shouldn’t be worried about COVID-19 anymore because according to our infectious disease experts the most recent variants of interest are just like the common colds and cough,” he said in a forum.
“Now, that doesn’t mean hindi siya dangerous because even common colds and cough or acute respiratory infection ay pwede maging masama sa isang taong elderly na mahina ang immune system or isang bata na maraming comorbidity (could be harsh for elderly with weak immune system or a child with comorbidity),” Herbosa warned.
According to the health chief, COVID-19 beds and utilization rate as of Dec. 11 remained low at 16% and 14% for intensive care units capacity.Herbosa said the Department of Health (DOH) recorded an average of 260 cases per day in the first week of December, a slight increase from a daily estimate of 191 the week prior.However, these small increases are well below the cases and admissions during the first three quarters of the year,” he said.As public gatherings reach their peak during the holiday season, he also gave assurance that the DOH is prepared for any possible surge in COVID-19 cases .
“No fear, we’ve learned how to adapt sa surges na yan,” Herbosa said. “So kung magkaroon ng (if there will be an) outbreak or increasing cases in the next few weeks, we will just increase the capacity for admitting those.”
The secretary said many recent patients who tested positive for the virus are not hospitalized and doctors now know how to manage admissions for severe cases.Herbosa also said other preparations for a possible COVID-19 surge include the logistics factor such as procuring additional medicine and vaccines for influenza-like illnesses.
“Tandaan natin na (Remember that) there are many other illnesses other than COVID so ‘yon ang ating i-focus (let’s focus there),” he said. “Let us have a more inclusive approach.”
