The Department of Health (DOH) said that some hospitals in Metro Manila are currently in “moderate to high-risk” levels in terms of occupancy rate amid the rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

“Napapansin namin na nagi-increase din ang utilization rate ng COVID isolation beds, wards, and ICU (intensive care unit). Ang latest (data) namin sa One Hospital Command yung data ng COVID beds and isolation umaabot na sa 54 percent ang usage nito sa buong Metro Manila (We notice that the utilization rate of COVID isolation beds, wards, and ICU are also increasing. Our latest (data) at the One Hospital Command is that the usage of COVID beds and isolation has reached 54 percent in the whole of Metro Manila),” said DOH Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega during the Malacanang press briefing on Thursday, March 18. 

“Certain areas like Manila, Makati, and Taguig yung mga level 3 hospitals, yung mga malalaking hospitals both public and private ito yung nakaka experience ng between moderate to high-risk category: ibig sabihin mga 80 percent ang occupied (Some level 3 hospitals, both public and private, in areas like Manila, Makati, and Taguig are now in moderate to high-risk category, meaning about 80 percent are occupied),” he added.

Despite the uptick in cases and the increase in healthcare utilization rate in some areas of the country, Vega believed that the Philippines is still in a better position in handling the pandemic as compared last year.

“We have improved our capacity compared with last year,”  said Vega.

Vega said that compliance to minimum health standards and the various interventions being implemented by government authorities will help curb the rising number of cases.

“I think we are better prepared for this situation right now compared last year. We know what is effective ---in terms of public health standards intervention, localized lockdowns by the government units, and we know that healthcare workers already have the experience on how to go about it. We have PPEs (personal protective equipment) already, and healthcare workers are getting vaccinated,” he said.

The OCTA Research Group projected that the daily number of cases nationwide may reach up to 11,000 by the end of March if the coronavirus trend continues. It also reported that Metro Manila is experiencing a “serious surge” of cases.

“These are alarm bells, sound bells really that  if you don't do nothing mahuhulog tayo sa ganoon (we will really fall in that situation). The assumption is based on mathematical projections. More important is how we respond to the increasing crisis right now,” said Vega.

“If we are able to do that, if we are able to make sure that the public adheres to the minimum health standards and the executive power of the local government units to provide granular lockdowns or zonal containment --- these are effective (measures) and we’ve seen this last year,” he added.