Expert calls ‘weekly Covid-19 case bulletin’ counterintuitive, reiterates importance of close monitoring
Health reform advocate and former National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 special adviser Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon expressed his disfavor following the Department of Health’s (DOH) decision to release a “weekly” Covid-19 case bulletin in contrast to its usual daily case reports.
Leachon, in a Facebook post on Monday, March 7, enumerated his reasons on why he called the DOH’s decision a “counterintuitive” move.
“ Alert Level 1, campaign sorties leading to mobility issues, economic reasons,” said Leachon.
Under the most lenient Alert Level 1 status and amid the ongoing campaign sorties for the 2022 national and local elections, Leachon stressed the importance of close Covid-19 monitoring in the Philippines.

“Sad news not to report daily Covid bulletin. counterintuitive measure at a time that we need closer monitoring... We need to control viral transmission at a time that we need to fully reopen the economy due to the fuel price hike,” Leachon added.
The DOH, on the other hand, said that instead of the number of cases, the reports will focus on the healthcare capacity, vaccination rates, and trends. This new measure, according to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, will help the country to “shift its focus to a more proactive and long term health solution.”