DOH: Protocol breaches, variants behind COVID-19 spike

Health officials attribute the recent spike in COVID-19 cases to breaches in health protocols, increased mobility due to eased restrictions, and the presence of new variants.

Dr. Beverly Ho from DOH noted that the UK variant has been detected in areas with rising case numbers but it is unclear if this is a contributing factor.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also pointed out increased mobility as a likely cause while acknowledging the possible impact of virus variants.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque dismissed criticisms, asserting that the government's handling was effective until recently and new variants are partly responsible for the surge.