Private hospitals may reach full capacity in 3-4 weeks due to COVID-19 spike

Private hospitals in the Philippines could reach full capacity in three to four weeks if the current spike in COVID-19 cases continues unabated, according to the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi).

PHAPi president Dr. Jose Rene De Grano warned that projections of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila potentially soaring to 5,000 per day by the end of March could overwhelm hospitals.

He attributed the rise in COVID-19 bed occupancy rates to new coronavirus variants, economic reopening, and relaxed adherence to health protocols.

Staffing issues, including nurses resigning to seek overseas employment or transfer to government facilities, are also exacerbating the situation.

De Grano expressed hope that healthcare workers would not need to call for another 'timeout,' but noted that strict health protocols, curfews, and localized lockdowns could help avert hospitals from being overwhelmed.

This warning comes as the Philippines has been recording approximately 3,000 new COVID-19 cases daily over the past week, with a recent day's tally being the highest since September.