COVID-19 virus weakening – DOH

- Advertisement -

HALF a year since the lifting the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said it appears that the virus has started to wane and is not as potent as before.

In a press conference, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said they have observed that the recent COVID-19 infections being recorded are only mild, and do not require hospitalization.

“Many of those having COVID-19 only experience acute respiratory infection, colds, sore throat, cough, and are able to recover after two or three days. So, it appears that the coronavirus we have known in the past is back,” said Herbosa.

- Advertisement -

“It looks like the deadly variants of Alpha, Delta have gone extinct and are now no longer in circulation. So, the people have nothing to worry about them,” he added.

Proof of this, he said, is the prevailing trend of COVID-19 cases mostly not requiring hospitalization.

“Not many needed to be confined. Our hospitalization rate was only 20 percent, while ICU rate is only 16 percent. Those confined are those with other illnesses or comorbidities,” said Herbosa.

Nevertheless, the health chief said they continue to advise the public to adhere to health protocols when manifesting symptoms of respiratory ailments.

“If you have respiratory disease symptoms, stay at home, don’t go to school or office, and wear masks to avoid infecting others in the household,” said Herbosa.

In a related development, DOH Undersecretary Eric Tayag said they expect the donated monovalent XBB COVID-19 vaccines to arrive in the country by the second quarter of 2024.

He is referring to the half million doses of the monovalent XBB COVID-19 vaccines to be given to the Philippines for the use of immunocompromised and elderly population.

“By our estimates, we may receive them by the second quarter of the year,” said Tayag.

According to Herbosa, the doses will no longer come from the COVAX Facility, which ended its operations last December 31.

Instead, the health chief said the donated jabs will come from the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI).

“The offer remains and was coursed through the Taiwanese government… so this process is ongoing,” said Herbosa.

To note, monovalent XBB COVID-19 vaccines offer increased immune response against the currently circulating variants.

Author

- Advertisement -

Share post: