DOH: COVID surge now higher than Aug 2020 peak

The Department of Health (DOH) announced that the current surge in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has now exceeded the peak recorded in August 2020.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea de Guzman stated that cases are still increasing at a fast rate, with the National Capital Region (NCR) at "high risk" and five other regions -- Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Western Visayas and Caraga -- at "moderate risk".

DOH data as of March 21 shows an average of 5,644 new cases reported daily for the third week of March, which is 4.4 times higher than the number of cases reported by the start of January.

Among the cities that have over 200% increase in recent one to two weeks were Marikina (296%), Mandaluyong (255%), Caloocan (252%), San Juan (248%), Pasig (237%), Muntinlupa (226%), Pateros (222%), Quezon City (217%), and Parañaque (215%).

Pasay (252%) and Malabon (231%) experienced the over 200% growth in cases in the recent 3 to 4 weeks compared to the previous 5 to 6 weeks.

Despite the "high risk" classification, the NCR's healthcare utilization rate remains in the "safe zone", though the DOH stresses the importance of monitoring intensive care unit rates for severe and critical cases.

On Monday, the DOH said that the more infectious variants of COVID-19, such as the United Kingdom (B117) and South Africa (B1351), are now present in all cities in Metro Manila.