The Philippines could once again experience a "surge" in Covid-19 cases in the coming months, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.
"With the unsafe gatherings and social mixing expected in the next two months, a surge in Covid-19 cases is quite likely," the WHO said in a statement.
Gatherings will likely happen from this month to May since Filipinos "observe Ramadan and Holy Week and engage in election-related activities," the WHO said.
The government should prepare for this possible scenario, said Acting WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rajendra Yadav.
“The continuous recalibration of the country’s Covid-19 response strategies is essential to prepare for a possible surge in cases and manage Covid-19 sustainably. Therefore, WHO recommends focusing on the priority groups that remain unvaccinated and house-to-house vaccination for these groups,” he said.
"Everyone should at least wear a mask and get booster shots of Covid-19 vaccines, as prescribed by the government, to prepare for and possibly avoid a potential surge," he added.
Both the national and local government units (LGUs) should "take urgent actions" to inoculate people who remain unvaccinated and those with incomplete vaccine doses in order "to achieve high coverage with the primary series and booster doses of Covid-19 vaccines," said Yadav.
"There are three reasons for providing Covid-19 vaccine booster doses. First, current evidence shows that protection provided by the vaccines against infection or disease, particularly severe disease, wanes gradually," he said.
"Second, there could be reduced protection against more transmissible Variants of Concern over time. And third, some risk groups may not develop adequate protection from the recommended primary series of the existing vaccines," he added.
“LGUs need to implement a more targeted approach of closer-to-home and mobile vaccinations to reach these vulnerable individuals. We cannot continue waiting for them to come to the health facilities. Instead, we need to reach these unreached populations by deploying outreach vaccinators immediately. In addition, we need to prioritise geographical areas with the largest number of unvaccinated senior citizens,” he furthered.
Yadav reminded the public that the Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over.
"Let us continue to protect our families and communities and make the holidays safe and meaningful. We can gather safely – in small groups, outdoors, and for shorter durations," he said.
"Let us continue to encourage our family members, especially senior citizens and those at high risk, to get vaccinated with their primary doses and boosters. No one should be left behind. No one is safe until everyone is safe," he added.