Philippines now at low risk for COVID-19 —DOH

The Philippines is now classified as being at "low risk" of COVID-19 transmission, the Department of Health said Monday.

In President Rodrigo Duterte's weekly Talk to the People briefing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country recorded a negative two-week growth rate of -74% and a low-risk average daily attack rate of 5.26 per 100,000 individuals.

Duque said all regions in the country were classified under low risk except for Region 11, Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 6, and Region 12, which are all under moderate risk.

He also said the country was under low risk for intensive care unit utilization.

Latest from the DOH showed that the country's bed utilization was at 28.67%, mechanical ventilator utilization was at 18.39%, and ICU utilization was at 34.12%.

"Maganda po ang sinasabi nito. We are able to manage our cases and our health system's capacity is very much prepared for any eventuality na kung magkaroon na naman ng saka-sakaling pagtaaas, makikita po natin na malaki po ang ating excess at mababa po ang ating unit utilization rate," Duque said.

He added that of the 6,315 total confirmed cases admissions as of February 13, 746 or 12% were severe cases and 347 or 5% were critical cases.

The country has so far recorded 3,639,942 COVID-19 cases including 3,508,239 recoveries and 55,094 deaths.

Malacañang earlier announced that Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 2 status until the end of the month.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said the following areas will be under Alert Level 3:

• Iloilo City,
• Iloilo province
• Guimaras
• Zamboanga City
• Davao de Oro
• Davao Occidental
• South Cotabato

Under Alert Level 2—the second lowest tier in the new alert level system—certain establishments and activities are allowed at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated), and 70% capacity outdoors.

Under Alert Level 3, meanwhile, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity but exclusively for fully vaccinated people, and 50% outdoor venue capacity as long as employees are fully vaccinated.

In-person classes, contact sports, fun fairs, perya, and casinos are among the activities and establishments that are prohibited under Alert Level 3. — BM, GMA News