DOH expects new COVID-19 case surge in PH

The Department of Health (DOH) anticipates new peaks in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines over the next few weeks.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau director Dr. Alethea De Guzman stated that the full effect of the recent enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) has not yet been felt, meaning additional cases are probable.

She noted that from August 19 to 25, the average daily cases stood at 15,535, an increase from the 12,897 cases recorded the previous week.

Unlike the April 2021 peak, which was centered in NCR-plus areas, the current case increase involves the whole of Luzon and select Visayas and Mindanao areas.

The DOH previously highlighted that it takes two to three weeks after an ECQ is lifted for its effects to be observed.

Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan were moved to a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) effective August 21 until the end of the month.

The Philippines remained at high-risk classification for COVID-19.