DOH sets 3 conditions for lifting health emergency

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) may recommend to President Marcos the lifting of the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19 if three conditions are met, an official said yesterday.

“With the plateauing of cases, improved vaccination coverage and minimal severe and critical admissions in hospitals, we can recommend to the President the lifting of the state of health crisis,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a press briefing.

“It’s possible if we see that the most vulnerable of our population – senior citizens, persons with comorbidities and children – are protected,” she added.

According to Vergeire, the DOH will analyze first the number of COVID infections, especially the severe and critical cases as well as hospital admissions.

“However, the most important consideration is if will we be able to increase the level of vaccination,” Vergeire said.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity due to COVID-19 in line with the declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO) of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

“So there is also a need for us to check the COVID-19 situation globally, and what will be the guidance of WHO regarding this matter if we are to give our recommendation to the President,” Vergeire said.