DOH adopts new 'suspect', 'probable', 'confirmed' categories for COVID-19

The Department of Health (DOH) is implementing a new classification system for COVID-19 patients based on international guidelines.

The terms 'persons under monitoring' and 'patients under investigation' will be replaced with 'suspect', 'probable', and 'confirmed'.

A suspect case includes individuals with severe respiratory illness, recent travel to affected areas, contact with confirmed cases, or high-risk factors like age over 60 or comorbidities.

This change aims for uniform reporting and a more focused approach in combating the spread of COVID-19.