The Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that it is keeping an eye on the mounting COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries and that locally, infections remain low.
Although the agency confirmed reports of increasing incidence in Asia, it did not specify which regions have been mainly affected. Reports indicate that Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand have seen a rise in cases, according to MBC TV Network News.
In Taiwan alone, nearly 10,000 patients sought medical consultations from May 4 to 10 due to COVID-19, reports the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
However, the DOH allayed public fears, stating that it is observing the local COVID-19 rates and coordinating with the ASEAN.
“Sa Pilipinas, ang nai-report na COVID-19 cases mula Enero hanggang Mayo 3, 2025, ay nasa 1,774. Mas mababa po ito ng 87 percent kumpara noong nakaraang taon (14,074 in 2024),” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
“Mula 71 kaso, bumaba rin ang COVID-19 cases sa nakalipas na tatlo hanggang apat na linggo sa 65 kaso,” he added.
(In the Philippines, the reported COVID-19 cases from January to May 3, 2025, are at 1,774. This is lower compared to last year’s number by 87 percent. From 71 cases, COVID-19 cases have also declined to only 65 in the past three to four weeks.)
Despite this drop in infections, Herbosa advised Filipinos to take precautionary measures against the virus, namely: to wear face masks, stay home when ill, cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, regularly wash hands, and to immediately consult with a doctor should COVID-19 symptoms manifest.
