Observe health protocols during transition

MANILA, Philippines — While the country begins transition to the so-called new normal, the Department of Health (DOH) reiterated the need for people to stay at home and observe health protocols.

“Stay at home and cancel non-essential travel to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019). Be responsible and follow the guidelines,” the DOH said.

The DOH said the public must remain vigilant and adopt health protocols such as frequent handwashing, physical distancing, wearing of masks and cough etiquette as part of their lifestyle.

As of yesterday, total number of COVID cases nationwide jumped to 12,513 with the addition of 208 new cases. A majority or 83 percent of the new cases came from the National Capital Region (NCR).

Other regions accounted for 16 percent of the new cases while Central Visayas recorded one percent of new cases.

With 74 new recoveries, the total number of patients who recovered from the infection rose to 2,635. Fatalities related to COVID reached 824 with the addition of seven new deaths.

As COVID cases nationwide continue to rise, the DOH has given assurance on the country’s overall capacity to admit and manage patients afflicted with the virus.

DOH said more than 70 percent of beds and mechanical ventilators in intensive care unit (ICU) are still available in isolation and COVID wards nationwide.

About 70.2 percent of the 13,456 hospital beds are available with only 20 percent occupied. Less than 30 percent of ICU beds for COVID are occupied at this time, DOH said.

There are 1,575 mechanical ventilators available with only 375 currently in use.

DOH said a total 40,497 beds are also available in five Ligtas COVID facilities nationwide.