WHO cautions DOH on 'low risk' COVID-19 messaging

The World Health Organization (WHO) urged the Department of Health (DOH) to be more cautious in its messaging after the latter announced the Philippines is a "low risk" area for COVID-19.

WHO representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe stressed the need for continued preparedness and public vigilance due to the evolving nature of the virus.

He warned that inconsistent or misleading messages could lead to decreased compliance with essential health protocols such as mask-wearing and physical distancing.

Abeyasinghe explained that classifying any country as "low-risk" has implications that need to be explained carefully.

He further underscored that the Philippines cannot be at "low-risk" for future COVID-19 cases as mutations of the coronavirus, such as the Delta variant, are still being detected.

Abeyasinghe noted that while the National Capital Region has made progress in vaccination, the coverage rate is not yet sufficient to prevent a major surge.

He advised that countries should strengthen preparedness and the public should not lower their guards down, as the virus is still evolving.