PH not yet controlling COVID-19 spread, says ex-Health Sec

Former Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit stated that the Philippines has not yet controlled the spread of COVID-19, despite efforts to contain it.

He noted that the country's case numbers continue on an upward curve, especially when compared to countries like Thailand or Vietnam.

Dayrit observed that while lockdowns have slowed transmission, community spread has not been halted, with daily new cases persisting.

The National Action Plan against COVID-19 acknowledged Dayrit's observations but highlighted that other countries also face challenges in controlling the virus.

Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that the action plan is working through various interventions and stressed the need for a whole-of-nation approach.

As of Saturday, the Philippines reported a total of 257,863 COVID-19 cases, with 187,116 recoveries and 4,292 fatalities.