Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega expressed alarm over the 3,000 daily new COVID-19 cases recorded in the country.
“Alarming ‘to. We’re taking necessary precautionary measures lalo na sa hospitals. Ngayon week na ‘to, nakikita niyo nag-i-increase ng trend, nag-a-uptick. There is an increase in the number of active cases,” said Vega in a radio interview, adding that the figure represents more than half of the 5,000 new cases recorded in August — the peak of daily increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.
As such, Vega underscored the need to immediately implement an enhanced minimum health protocol to prevent the number from a further spike at a time when more businesses have resumed operations.
“Kailangan nating tawagin na lang, nire-recommend nga nila to change it to enhanced public health standards. Kailangan i-enhance natin kasi kung magbukas ulit ng economy, itong ‘enhanced,’ ‘yung ating face mask, social distancing, ito ‘yung pinaka-vaccine talaga—preventive way in transmitting the virus,” Vega further averred.
As of this posting, the Department of Health recorded 3,439 new infections, the highest this year. The Philippines has so far recorded a total to 591,138 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of this figure, 12,465 have already died. (with reports from Jonah Aure)