Philippines back at low risk for COVID-19

The Philippines is now classified as being at low risk for COVID-19 transmission.

Based on three metrics—growth in cases, average daily attack rate per 100,000 population, and health system capacity—the National Capital Region and the whole country are back to a low-risk classification.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reported that from February 8 to 14, daily cases were 56% lower than those logged from February 1 to 7.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III noted all regions except for Region 11, Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 6, and Region 12 are under low risk; these four regions remain at moderate risk.

The country's bed utilization is at 28.67%, mechanical ventilator utilization at 18.39%, and ICU utilization at 34.12%.

Duque emphasized the health system’s capacity to manage cases and handle any potential future surges.