Health Expert Urges Caution for Vulnerable Groups Despite Decline in Covid-19 Cases

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Despite a nationwide decrease in Covid-19 cases, a leading health expert urges senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and those with comorbidities to remain vigilant against the virus. The caution comes in light of recent statistics indicating a downward trend in infections.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine College of Physicians, Dr. Rontgene Solante, president of the organization and an infectious disease expert, detailed his analysis on Wednesday during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing. Solante pointed out that while the current variants appear to be less transmissible than their predecessors, and there might be a substantial level of community immunity, the cessation of booster vaccinations poses a concern for maintaining this defense. The Department of Health (DOH) reported a daily average of 128 new cases from October 30 to November 5, marking an 18 percent reduction from the previous week. Moreover, there were no new Covid-19 deaths recorded in the same week.

Dr. Solante stressed the importance of continued vigilance, particularly among the vulnerable population, because the risk of severe outcomes remains significant in these groups if infected. The latest data from the DOH, as of November 6, indicates that the National Capital Region, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Soccsksargen are the top five regions with new case tallies for the week. Quezon City, Rizal, Manila City, Cavite, and Bulacan were identified as the areas with the highest number of new cases.