THE Department of Health (DOH) said that it recorded continuous low transmission and mild COVID-19 cases during the holiday season, or from November to December 2023.
In a statement, the DOH said the percentage of occupied ICU beds for COVID-19 cases remained low at only 16 percent at its highest, averaging at 12 percent during the said period.
During those two months, the DOH said the number of occupied non-ICU beds for COVID-19 cases was also low at 19 percent at its highest, averaging around 17 percent.
“Our data also shows a consistently low percentage of severe and critical cases among hospital admissions, currently at 11 percent,” the statement continued.
DOH credits these low numbers “due to Filipinos choosing healthy behaviors and heeding the call for multiple layers of protection: using face masks when needed, and going to well-ventilated areas, staying at home when ill.”
The agency also noted the high vaccination coverage where critical cases are minimized because eight out of every ten eligible senior citizens are protected by a primary series.
The average number of new cases per day for the week of December 26, 2023 to January 1, 2024, it said, is down by 10 percent compared to cases from December 19 to 25. Of the new cases, DOH monitored that only around 1 percent were serious or critically ill, as it renewed its commitment to closely monitor the trend for any changes.
Despite these low numbers, the DOH continues to remind everyone to avoid complacency and to continue doing their activities but constantly mindful to choose well-ventilated and good airflow areas.
The agency again pointed out that when feeling ill, it is best to stay at home, wear a mask if there are symptoms, or even if healthy but vulnerable (of senior age or immunocompromised) or frequently stay with a person who is. The DOH reiterated that “vaccination protects and these same measures work against many other influenza-like and respiratory illnesses.”