COVID is not yet ‘endemic’ in PH — DOH
The COVID-19 pandemic has not yet reached its endemic state in the Philippines, according to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
During a press briefing, Vergeire explained that the “endemic state” means that the virus is already a part of everyone’s lives, with the case numbers reaching an “acceptable” count.
She reiterated that this could only be reached when a high vaccination rate could balance off the transmission of the virus in the country.
Vergeire said that “Time will come when cases in our country will be predictable and manageable.”
This comment was made after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) placed Metro Manila and 38 other areas under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15.
The DOH Undersecretary warned that the Alert Level system in the Philippines could still escalate if cases soar again or if a new variant enters the country.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles urged the public to remain responsible by wearing face masks “at all times” and avoiding mass gatherings. He also encouraged unvaccinated Filipinos to get their COVID-19 shots.
