VP Leni confused over DOH COVID-19 case classification

Vice President Leni Robredo expressed confusion over the Department of Health's (DOH) new classification system for reporting COVID-19 cases, differentiating between "fresh" and "late" cases.

Robredo questioned the necessity of this classification, stating that initial positive tests are typically considered new cases.

The DOH explained that fresh cases are those validated within the last three days, while late cases are those validated four days or more after their results came out.

The agency claimed the new system aims to differentiate between new and delayed results to avoid the perception of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

However, Robredo found the logic behind this distinction unclear and confusing.

She suggested that the DOH should instead focus on accelerating and expanding mass testing rather than altering reporting methods.

Robredo emphasized the importance of prompt release of test results as the primary solution to address the outbreak.