COVID-19 cases may increase to 19K per day by end-August –DOH

The number of COVID-19 infections in the country is projected to increase to as high as 19,000 per day by August 31, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

Citing its latest projections and current case trends, DOH said COVID-19 cases in the country show to be on “continuous uptrend,” which may bring an estimated 19,306 cases daily by end-August.

The DOH, however, noted that the case increase may be “slower and more controlled” if the primary vaccine series and booster coverage are improved, and compliance with the minimum public health standards is continued.

If this happens, the DOH said the number of infections is seen to go down at about 6,194 to 8,346 cases per day during the same period.

The DOH also pointed out that aside from the potential case increase, monitoring the hospital utilization rates and admissions is also important.

"While we do consider COVID-19 case numbers in determining an area's alert level, we would like to emphasize the larger focus we have on admission and hospital utilization rates," the DOH said in a statement.

"With the advances in COVID-19 treatment and the availability of vaccines to combat severe and critical disease, as well as deaths, we now have the capability to reduce the vulnerable population and keep hospital utilization and fatalities to a minimum."

Based on OCTA Research’s latest data, the healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) for COVID-19 in Bohol and Iloilo, exceeded the 50% threshold, recording 57.7% and 52.4%, respectively, on Sunday, July 24.

The National Capital Region’s (NCR) one-week HCUR also climbed from 30.7% to 31.7% during the same period, with 27.3% of its intensive care units (ICU) occupied.

In line with this, DOH called on the public to continue wearing of best-fitting face masks, isolating and informing close contacts when sick, doubling-up protection through vaccines, and ensuring good airflow to control the spread of the virus.

"If such factors will be adhered to and implemented by ourselves immediately, a decline in cases may be observed sooner," it said.

As part of the government’s plan to curb the COVID-19 infections, the DOH, along with the local government units, is set to launch on Tuesday a campaign that aims to administer booster shots to 50% of the country's eligible population in the next three months.

The campaign also aims to vaccinate 90% of the target senior-citizen population group within the period. —KBK, GMA News