Former Philippine Medical Association President Benito Atienza urged the national government to continue to closely monitor the country's COVID-19 situation even after the state of public health emergency is lifted.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa previously stated that he intends to suggest to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. that the state of public health emergency be lifted while the alert level system is maintained.

This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be no longer a global health emergency.

Atienza, who is now the vice president of the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations, also believes the government should continue to investigate the purchase of COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly for children under the age of five, which are currently unavailable in the Philippines.

He cautioned the public that COVID-19 remains a threat and urged to continue exercising caution and proper hygiene to avoid getting infected with the virus.

Atienza also warns people to be on the lookout for other ailments such as flu and pneumonia.