DOH rejects use of 'epicenter' for Davao City

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday rejected using the term 'epicenter' to describe Davao City despite a surge in its COVID-19 cases.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that 'epicenter', in relation to epidemics, is often interpreted as an area being the source of infection and a hotspot for it. However, she emphasized that these areas are not the origin of the virus.

Vergeire also noted that using the term 'epicenter' can overshadow other equally or more affected areas by COVID-19. Therefore, Davao City is not considered an epicenter.