PH to see drop in COVID-19 cases by October if vaccination accelerates

The Philippines may experience a decrease in COVID-19 cases by October or November, contingent upon vaccinating the majority of residents in highly affected urban areas like Metro Manila, according to vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

This projection is supported by the expected arrival of millions of vaccine doses in the latter half of the year, which will enable the government to intensify its vaccination program.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque cited the successful vaccination rollouts in the United Kingdom and Israel as examples of declining infections due to inoculation.

Roque also emphasized the continued importance of adhering to minimum health standards, such as mask-wearing, handwashing, and physical distancing, even for those who have been vaccinated.

As of the article's publication, the Philippines had vaccinated close to 1.4 million individuals since the immunization campaign began on March 1, with a national target to vaccinate 70 million people within the year.