No surge in COVID-19 admissions after holidays

MANILA, Philippines — Contrary to previous projections, no surge in COVID-19 hospital admissions was reported during or even after the Yuletide season, the Private Hospital Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) said yesterday.

“We did not sense any surge in admissions because, mostly, those who contracted it were mild cases and did not have themselves confined or tested,” said PHAPi president Rene de Grano.

In a separate radio interview, Philippine College of Physicians past president Dr. Maricar Limpin said the country seemed to have already achieved population immunity at this time.

Although the country did not reach the targeted herd immunity for COVID-vaccination, Limpin said the high number of those previously infected enabled the country to reach population immunity.

The Philippines, based on Limpin’s observation, can be considered “safer” than China, which has a low previous infection as a result of its zero COVID-19 policy.

Still, she advised the public to get an updated vaccine and continue wearing face masks to ensure COVID-19 cases will remain low.

No surge seen

Speaking at the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday, infectious diseases specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante said he does not see any COVID-19 surge in the coming months.

“It seems like a distant possibility to reach 700 (COVID-19 cases) per day by February, because after the holidays and the Black Nazarene celebration, we still have not seen a surge in cases,” Solante, speaking in Filipino, said.

But like Limpin, he pushed for continued compliance with public health protocols, especially wearing of face masks long after the lifting of the state of a public health emergency for COVID-19.

Similar to De Grano’s observation, Solante pointed out low hospitalization rates owing to mild infections.

With COVID-19 hospital occupancy stabilizing to less than 30 percent, Solante said COVID-19 cases are highly unlikely to jump by February and March.

Solante expressed his favor for the World Health Organization (WHO)’s updated COVID-19 guidelines recommending continued use of face masks in public as well as the reduction in the isolation period for COVID-19 patients.

He also agreed with the Department of Health that the Philippines is ready when the WHO decides to lift the public health emergency for COVID-19.

While there were sudden increases in COVID-19 cases, the country is no longer threatened with a high number of fatalities and the health care facilities are able to manage cases, he said.

He noted that there are no longer restrictions in the number of people allowed to gather at a particular event or venue.

But Solante emphasized that the public, particularly the vulnerable population, must still wear a face mask and get vaccinated before going to possible super spreader events.