SEVEN areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) are seeing an uptick in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, the Department of Health said yesterday even as a health advocate urged government to ramp up its surveillance and vaccination efforts to prevent
another surge in infections.
“According to the latest reports by our surveillance units, in NCR, some 7 out of 17 areas show a positive growth in cases,” the DOH said.
It said that Pasig City is now classified as low risk “due to an increase of 17 cases in the recent two weeks with 69 total active cases.”
Aside from Pasig, the other areas where an increase in cases have been monitored are the cities of Muntinlupa, Pasay, Quezon, Caloocan and Marikina and the lone municipality ofPateros.
“These six other areas showed positive growth cases in the recent one week,” the DOH said.
The DOH, however, said that all areas in Metro Manila have maintained “low risk average daily attack rates” and have less than 180 active cases.
Health authorities have been on guard for a possible increase in COVID-19 cases after the May 9 elections, but Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said they have yet to see an
uptick due to election-related gatherings.
Dr. Tony Leachon, former adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said the government should ramp up its COVID-19 surveillance and vaccination efforts, as well as stockpile on antivirals, following the DOH’s confirmation of the local transmission of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant BA.1.12.1 in Metro Manila, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and Western Visayas.
Leachon said it is better for the government to be prepared, especially for a possible surge in infections, than be caught with their pants down on the issue.
“We cannot be complacent given that the waning immunity in terms of timeline is fast approaching and the rainy season is also coming, (which) would actually enhance the spread of the viral transmission,” Leachon told ABS-CBN News Channel.
“We need to address also at the workplace level because they will call in sick, they have these flu-like presentations. Even if it’s not admissible, it can cause this particular problem we call the long COVID symptoms,” he said, adding that 30 to 40 percent of patients experience long symptoms.
Leachon said the government should also give more focus on its booster shot vaccination in
Metro Manila and other areas where the Omicron subvariant has been detected.
“The BA.2.12.1 has a 27 percent higher transmissibility and it has the capacity to evade immunity. Kung ikaw ay bakunado pwede ka pa ring mahawa (Even if you are vaccinated,
you can still get infected),” he said.
Vergeire called on the public not to panic after confirming the local transmission of the BA.2.12.1 subvariant, and urged those who experience fever, cough, cold, sore or itchy throat- to immediately isolate and contact their local officials and health authorities.
She also reiterated her appeal for the public to strictly adhere to public health and safety protocols to avoid getting infected with the virus.
VACCINATION
Vergeire said special vaccination teams are also being prepared for immediate deployment to areas where the subvariant has been detected to provide additional population protection through vaccination and boosters.
On the other hand, Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operation Center chair Myrna Cabotaje said the second booster shots of Moderna and Pfizer are now available for seniors and frontline health workers.
Cabotaje said the second booster would help strengthen their immunity against the coronavirus, including the latest Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1.
“This is the moment we have all been waiting for. After careful study and consideration of the best available evidence, we shall now roll out effective immediately the second booster for our frontline health workers and senior citizens. This is part of how we fight back against the virus,” Cabotaje said.
The DOH guidelines provide for the administration of second booster doses for individuals 18 years old and above belonging to priority group A1 and workers in essential health services, and all individuals 60 years old and above (priority group A2 or senior citizens).
Vergeire said the second booster supports the 4-door strategy of the health department against COVID-19 as it fortifies the defense of health workers and highly vulnerable seniors.
“Everyone eligible can get the second booster jab done at the LGU vaccination sites nearest you. They are safe, effective, and free of charge,” Vergeire said.
She said the administration of second booster doses to eligible individuals will be implemented simultaneously nationwide, depending on the readiness of the regional and local vaccination operation centers, implementing units, and vaccination sites.
