Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4)— The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday refuted a circulating message claiming that a new wave of COVID-19 in the capital region has risen.
In an advisory, the DOH said that the message was attributed to a doctor from a private hospital. Consequently, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) issued a statement clarifying that the false claim attributed to one of its doctors was made two years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.
\”There is no credible evidence or official announcement from health authorities supporting the assertion of a surge in COVID-19 cases at the mentioned hospital,\” the health department said.
It warned the public to verify first the information seen on social media posts before sharing it with others, adding that spreading false information or fake news may contribute to unnecessary panic and fear.
\”Furthermore, the DOH states that criminal charges may be pressed if related post/s shall persist,\” the agency cautioned.
On the other hand, SLMC said that Dr. Ruth Divinagracia, to whom the circulating message was attributed, has not made a recent message claiming the new wave of COVID-19 in Metro Manila.
\”The statement being attributed to her, which were purportedly issued recently, were made two years ago during the surge of infections that took place at that time,\” SLMC said in a statement Thursday.
The private hospital expressed support for the DOH in urging the public to only get COVID-19-related news from official and authorized sources.
Low COVID-19 cases on holidays
Meanwhile, the DOH said there has been low transmission and mild cases of COVID-19 in the country over the holidays compared to the pre-Christmas week of 2023.
It said that it recorded 3,147 cases from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 with an average of 449 new cases per day for that week.
\”The average number of new cases per day for the week of December 26, 2023 to January 1, 2024 is down by 10 percent compared to cases from December 19 to 25. Of the new cases, only around 1% were serious or critically ill.\” it added.
The department also said that the percentage of occupied ICU beds for COVID-19 cases from November to December 2023 \”remained low at only 16% at its highest, averaging at 12%.\”
In the same period, \”non-ICU beds for COVID-19 cases was also low at 19% at its highest, averaging at 17%,\” it added.
READ: DOH: COVID-19 cases drop during long holiday
\”This is due to Filipinos choosing healthy behaviors and heeding the call for multiple layers of protection: using face masks when needed, and going to well-ventilated areas, staying at home when ill,\” the DOH concluded.
The heightened vaccination coverage in the country also helped, resulting in a decrease in critical cases in hospitals, it added.
\”Eight out of every ten eligible senior citizens are protected by a primary series,\” the DOH said.
