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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cebu City's spike in COVID cases 'worrisome' -- OCTA Research Group

Cebu City's spike in COVID cases 'worrisome' -- OCTA Research Group

Published Feb 1, 2021 01:20 pm

The number of coronavirus cases in Cebu City could rise to 200 cases per day if the current pattern in the metropolis continues, the OCTA Research Group warned on Monday.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Dr. Guido David said Cebu City has more than 90 cases of COVID-19 in the past weeks. 

"The increase is doubling every two weeks which is the same pattern in Mountain Province before the UK variant was discovered. If we follow that pattern, they may have 200 cases per day in Cebu City," he said during the Laging Handa press briefing on Monday.

Infectious disease expert and OCTA researcher Benjamin Co said the number of cases in Cebu is worrisome because the replication in January compared to December has slightly risen. 

"Because of the presence of the new (COVID) variant, I think this is something worth exploring at the same time. We are not saying it is already in Cebu pero nakakabahala (but worrisome)," Co said.

"Ang worry ay baka ma-overwhelm ang healthcare system nila (Our worry is that their healthcare system may soon be overwhelmed," David added.

He reminded the public that the coronavirus "is still here" whether it is the new variant or not, "this doesn't change the way we address the pandemic." 

David also noted that placing Metro Manila under modified general community quarantine could be too early and risky at this stage.

"The vaccine rollout should be done first. It is important that there be no surge of cases at this time otherwise the rollout could be delayed," David said.

"We understand the concern on economy but it will recover more quickly once we vaccinate more people. It is also important na walang surge na nangyayari (there is no surge in cases) because it will delay the rollout. We can't risk a surge habang may vaccine rollout na nangyayari (while a vaccine rollout is being conducted)," he added.

Co also pointed out the Interagency Task Force or IATF should consider revisiting measures to control the spread of COVID-19, noting that the lockdowns were the only measures that the country was able to utilize. 

"The longer the lockdown, the economy is also on the frontline na matatamaan (that will be affected. We need to revisit. The IATF may need to recalibrate and find out better measures," Co said.

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