DOH: Rise in COVID-19 cases in some Southeast Asian countries still not a cause for alarm

Amid rising COVID-19 cases in parts of Southeast Asia, the Department of Health (DOH) has reassured the public that the situation remains under control and is not a cause for concern.

The agency emphasized its continued efforts to improve readiness and maintain close coordination with regional bodies. "We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Nations). This gives us verified information, boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm," it said in a statement.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reported that the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has stayed low, with 1,774 infections recorded from January to May 3 – representing an 87% decline from the 14,074 cases logged during the same period last year.

The DOH also noted that 65 new cases were reported between April 6 and 19, a slight dip from the 71 cases recorded three weeks earlier.

"We are committed to keeping the public informed and will provide timely updates should the situation evolve," the agency said. "We encourage everyone to stay informed through official DOH channels, and continue practicing the same preventive measures that protect from other diseases," they added.

The department also reiterated its call for the public to continue observing health protocols: wearing face masks in medical settings, staying home when experiencing symptoms, practicing proper respiratory hygiene, and consulting healthcare professionals early when symptoms arise.