OCTA on COVID-19 surge: The 'worst is over' in most parts of PH

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

by Charie Mae F. Abarca, Manila Bulletin

Now that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases have peaked in several parts of the country, an OCTA research fellow said that “the worst is probably over in most parts of the Philippines” in terms of the COVID-19 surge.

“The good news is, and I want to emphasize, is that we could imagine that the worst is probably over for most of the country because cases have peaked or peaking,” said OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David during a virtual forum on Monday, Jan. 31.

However, David reiterated that this does not mean that the viral transmission is over.

“It doesn’t mean that it’s all clear. We should still follow health protocols as we go out because there is still a significant number of cases, especially in many parts of the country,” he added.

David said that among the provinces which are still seeing a significant increase in new COVID-19 infections were Bukidnon, Camiguin, Cotabato, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Maguindanao, Negros Oriental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

“Except for Negros Oriental which is in Visayas, most of the provinces are in Mindanao. What happened was that the surge happened later in these provinces, that’s why they’re still at an accelerating stage, whereas the surge has already matured and is now on a downward trend in Visayas and Luzon,” said David.

The OCTA research group previously stated that the Omicron-driven surge of COVID-19 is less likely to return in Metro Manila, but provinces outside the region should brace for the rise in infections.

Meanwhile, David still urged the public to continue adhering to the minimum public health standards such as the proper wearing of mask and observing physical distancing to further prevent the transmission of the disease.