Private hospitals report uptick in COVID-19 cases amid holidays

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) has reported a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in private hospitals as more Filipinos and their families gather for celebrations during the holiday season.

According to a report Wednesday on Super Radyo dzBB, PHAPI said most of the cases are mild, especially for patients who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano was quoted as saying that the rise in COVID cases was possibly due to more gatherings being held this December.

Nonetheless, PHAPI expects the number of COVID-19 cases to decrease over the coming weeks.

The University of the Philippines—Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) reinstated this month the mandatory use of face masks inside the hospital amid the increasing COVID-19 cases in the country.

UP-PGH Hospital Infection Control Unit (HICU) also recommended the wearing of face masks even outside the hospital, especially where there is poor ventilation, crowding, or when the individual feels vulnerable or weak or remains unvaccinated against COVID-19.

In its report on Dec. 20, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 440 new cases, 247 recoveries and no new deaths due to COVID-19.

The total number of active cases increased by 193 to 5,091, the highest tally in 96 reporting days since July 23's 5,121 active cases. — VDV, GMA Integrated News