THE World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday called on the public to continue observing health protocols as it echoed the projection of the Department of Health that a surge of up to 300,000 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) active cases is possible by the middle of May.
In a televised public briefing, WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rajendra Yadav said it is likely that COVID-19 cases in the country may climb to 300,000 come Election Day if Filipinos opt to relax their adherence to health protocols, especially the wearing of face masks when in public places.
“Yes, it’s possible to get to those numbers because, in South Korea, which has half the population of the Philippines, they have already touched 600,000 cases per day,” said Yadav.
“I have seen those numbers. So, we have to prove those numbers are wrong. That’s the challenge we face,” he added.
Last week, the DOH said there is a possibility that cases may rise to as high as 300,000 by middle of next month if compliance to minimum public health standards (MPHS) continues to decline.
Yadav said a surge is likely, especially given the social activities seen in recent weeks and in the forthcoming elections.
“The social mixing and increased mobility may cause an increase in cases or not. It depends on whether people wore masks, and avoided crowds and poorly ventilated places,” he said.
He also rued the recent slowdown in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, especially booster shots.
“We need to focus on increasing our vaccination rate,” said Yadav.
