The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that the rise of COVID-19 cases in the country amid the woes of different variants have been experienced not only among children but across all age groups.
According to DOH, a 59% increase of positive cases among all age clusters has been reported from July 13 to 25 compared with the statistics recorded from July 26 to August 8.
DOH further said that, within the same period, the highest increase of cases deemed positive mostly came from the 30-39 age group. Meanwhile, the lowest tested positive cases were observed among those in the age bracket of 80 and above.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that the agency recognizes the public’s worries upon consuming news which relay the rise of positive cases. However, she believes that the affected age groups must be further clarified.
“Ngunit dapat ay liwanagan natin na itong pagtaas ng kaso ay nararamdaman sa lahat ng grupo at hindi lang sa mga bata,” Vergeire stated.
(We have to make it clear that the increase of cases is felt across all age groups and not only among children.)
The agency’s response has surfaced after public remarks and clamors were made—amid the presence of virulent variants—to include children and teens in the vaccination priority classifications.
DOH said that the COVID-19 national vaccination program remains steadfast in providing vaccines but admitted that it is still allocated to priority groups due to global scarcity of supplies. By far, 11.2 million individuals were fully inoculated recorded as of August 7.
While children are not considered in the priority groups, the agency encourages eligible population groups to get their jabs and claims that vaccinated adults will somehow keep the children protected.
“To all adults already eligible for vaccination, please register with your local government units for immediate vaccination while children are not yet being vaccinated. By vaccinating yourselves, you are also protecting the children as you will shield them from possible COVID-19 infection,” Vergeire added.
DOH lastly reminded that everyone, albeit vaccinated, must impose minimum public health protocols and observe basic health measures such as proper wearing of face masks and face shields, physical distancing, correct hand washing, and ensuring proper ventilation.