The Department of Health (DOH) logged 4,634 new COVID-19 cases from June 20 to 26, reporting a 53-percent increase in the average number of infections per day compared to the previous week.
The figure translates to a daily average of 662 fresh infections, according to the DOH.
Of the new cases, 14 were in critical and severe condition, while 51 more deaths were verified.
Despite the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, the utilization rate of intensive care units (ICUs) remain low nationwide at 14.9%.
In an interview with GMA News’ Balitanghali on Tuesday, DOH Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire attributed the increase in infections to the following factors:
- Entry of highly infectious Omicron subvariants which can escape immunity;
- Increased mobility of the public as quarantine restrictions relaxed;
- Waning immunity of vaccines against COVID-19 and the low booster shot rate;
- And reduced compliance with minimum health standards
Amid the surge in cases, the DOH reiterated its call for the public to continue practicing precautionary measures such as proper wearing of face mask and maintaining physical distancing.
“Pinapaalalalahan ang lahat na huwag maging kampante sa banta ng COVID-19. Bagkus, dapat natin ipagpatuloy ang tamang pagsunod sa minimum public health standards sa ilalim ng Alert Level 1,” DOH said.
“Paalala ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan na laging magsuot ng best-fitted face mask at kung maari, manatili sa well-ventilated na mga lugar. Sa oras na makaramdam ng sintomas, AGAD NA MAG-ISOLATE. Para sa karagdagang proteksyon laban sa banta ng COVID-19, agad-agaran na tayong magpabakuna at booster,” it added.
Cavite, Metro Manila, and several other areas will remain under Alert Level 1 from July 1 to 15. As of June 27, Cavite has 174 active cases of the viral respiratory illness.
Thumbnail photo from Unsplash
