Alert Level 2 Possible in Metro Manila if COVID Cases Rise, DOH Says

Metro Manila could be placed under a stricter Alert Level 2 if COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions continue to rise, the Department of Health said Monday.

Increased mobility, entry of more transmissible omicron sub-variants, and waning immunity due to low booster vaccination are some of the factors contributing to rise of infections in 13 out of 17 cities and municipality in Metro Manila, said Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire.

EXPLAINER: What Changes Under Alert Level 1?

The DOH reported 308 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the highest daily tally since April 20, according to ABS-CBN News' data analyst Edson Guido. 

"The possibility is there. Kung magtutuloy-tuloy ang mga kaso siyempre makakakita tayo rin ng pagtuloy-tuloy na pagtaas, at baka 'yung admissions sa ospital ay tumaas. 'Pag ganyan ang nangyari, magsi-shift tayo at mag-escalate sa Alert Level 2," Vergeire told TeleRadyo.

There's "slight increase in the areas in the country pero 'di pa natin masabi kung magtutuloy-tuloy. Sana naman po hindi at ma-prevent natin ang transmission," she added.

According to Vergeire, the increase in severe and critical COVID-19 cases is "not significant yet."

"Ang kailangan po maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan, we are learning to live with the virus. Alam po natin hindi aalis ang virus na ito, it will stay with us. So itong mga sakit na nagkakaroon ng mild and asymptimatic, it should be acceptable to the population. Ang pinakaimportante, 'di pa natin nakikitang tumataas ang severe and critical na mga kaso," said Vergeire.

Metro Manila was first placed under Alert Level 1 on March 1 and remains under the "new normal" until June 15.

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