DOH raises alert level in 37 areas over rising cases

The Department of Health (DOH) placed eight areas in Metro Manila and over 37 regions nationwide under Alert Level 4 due to rising COVID-19 cases and hospital utilization rates.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that the Delta variant is now present in all 17 local government units of the National Capital Region, contributing to the surge in infections.

In Metro Manila, the areas under Alert Level 4 include Quezon City, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pateros, Taguig, Malabon, Makati, and San Juan. Other regions such as Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen are also under Alert Level 4.

Alert level 4 is designated for areas with moderate to critical risk classifications and healthcare utilization rates exceeding 70%. The Philippines recorded 10,623 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest since April 17.