Gov’t closely monitors areas prone to Covid-19 case surge

MANILA – Several areas are under close monitoring for a possible surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said Saturday.

Cabotaje, who also chairs the National Vaccination Operations Center, said the government and health authorities are keeping an eye on Marinduque, Davao City, Butuan City, and Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, cases have slightly increased in Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Batanes, Quirino, Catanduanes, Olongapo City, Tarlac, City, Angeles City, and Eastern Samar, according to Cabotaje.

“We don’t see the common denominator affecting the increase of cases in these areas but there might be some influx of people during holidays and because of campaign sorties, ito ‘yung ating mga tinitingnan pero lahat naman ng areas sa ating bansa binabantayan (these are what we are looking at but we also monitor all areas in the country),” Cabotaje said at the “Laging Handa” public briefing.

Cabotaje noted all areas nationwide are being monitored due to mass gatherings during the Holy Week and with the series of election-related activities across the country.

The government has intensified its vaccination campaign, especially the administration of booster doses to eligible individuals following the warning of the World Health Organization on a possible Covid-19 surge after the May 9 elections.

On Monday, the administration of second booster shots for the immunocompromised will start.

Overall, about 67 million Filipinos have the complete primary series of Covid-19 jabs but only 12.97 million have availed of booster shots.