THE Department of Health (DOH) said the Philippines is now under moderate risk for COVID-19 with the continued decline in the number of cases brought about by the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection that causes the COVID-19 disease.
The downgrade in risk classification came from a high-risk classification issued on the first week of January this year.
According to DOH Spokesperson and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the national positivity rate is now at only 35.4 percent from its peak of 46.8 percent last January 18.
Even hospital utilization rate and ICU utilization rate is now under control or under low risk as well since there is a noted decrease in the number of admissions in hospitals, with majority classified as mild COVID-19 cases where many are recovering in their homes.
Although Vergeire said that that country’s average daily attack rate (ADAR) is still at high risk, this has already declined to 19.43 cases for every 100,000 individuals.
Whichever, Vergeire reiterated that the public should not be complacent and instead should still comply with the minimum health protocols, simultaneous with vaccination and administration of booster shots against COVID-19.