Philippines now low-risk for COVID-19 amid declining infections

The Philippines is now classified as low-risk for COVID-19 due to declining infections, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH reported a negative two-week growth rate of -48% and a reduced average daily attack rate (ADAR) of 5.89 per 100,000 individuals.

Nationwide hospital bed utilization is at 41.15%, mechanical ventilator utilization at 37.65%, and ICU utilization at 53.15%.

The country recorded an average of 5,251 daily coronavirus infections from October 18 to 24.

This marks a significant decrease, with current daily cases reaching the baseline average observed before the surge in July.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also confirmed the Philippines' first case of the B.1.1318 coronavirus variant, a patient who returned from Saudi Arabia and has since recovered.