Philippines now Covid-19 low risk

THE NATIONAL government has declared that the country is now at low-risk classification for Covid-19 infections citing data from the Department of Health.

“Nasa low-risk classification na po ang National Capital Region at ang buong Pilipinas,” said Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles, adding that three metrics have been used to determine the current classification namely - growth in active Covid-19 cases, average daily attack rate per 100,000 population and health systems capacity.

Nograles thanked the public for their cooperation in observing the minimum public health standards and expressed satisfaction over the increasing number of people getting vaccinated against the deadly respiratory disease.

“All of the progress we have made to bring down the number of cases is a product of our collective efforts, and we thank our kababayans for their cooperation. We urge everyone to remain conscious of our health protocols as we work to build on the progress we continue to make,” Nograles said.

But he was quick to say that the acute phase of the health crisis could only end if the 70% (of the population) vaccination target is achieved by the middle of 2022. Quoting the World Health Organization, Nograles said “this is a matter of choice.”

He cited the government target to vaccinate at least 90 million people before the end of the term of President Rodrigo Duterte in June.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also explained that average daily cases per day now is lower than earlier this month. She underscored the country’s steady decline in new Covid-19 cases had helped in managing the national health system capacity.

The government has vaccinated over 61 million Filipinos so far. (Mindanao Examiner)