Cases "Explode"! As the US Lifts Remaining Restrictions, the Philippines DOH Orders Hospitals to Reopen Covid Wards. Prison Visiting Hours are Suspended, and University's Stop F2F School.

Yes, there are some cases, but there are NO NEW Deaths. The Fear Machine Ramps Up! Have we forgotten that this is OMICRON era, that we already know how to treat Covid-19? Stop the fear!

The US is ending Covid-19 restrictions and vaccination requirements by next week, on 11th of May 2023.

Ignoring this and the worldwide trend of simply “living with Covid-19”, the Philippines seems to be ramping up to renew many of the measures of the past 3 years. Masking, social distancing, on-line schooling are being reinstated by some groups. Emergency measures being reimposed in kneejerk fear reactions, even when there is no State of Emergency. A letter from a local school to students and parents.

The media is shouting over increasing cases. The Covid-19 test positivity rate has climbed to 19.7%! Oh No!

But that positivity is skewed by so little testing being done. Covid fatigue, anyone? Further most people test at home with an antigen kit and quietly self-manage if it is positive.

If people only get tested if they have symptoms and 80% of the time those symptoms are due to other illness, and only 20% to Covid-19, then it would reflect Covid-19 taking a lesser role in illness burden. there have been no deaths reported (current or backdated) for nearly 2 weeks, and few critical cases.

867 daily cases as of yesterday, 3rd May 2023. In a country of 110 million.

Hospitals Ordered to Reopen Covid-19 Wards / Reserve Beds

Forgetting that this is the OMICRON era, the era of almost exclusively mild illness, and perhaps still fearing what happened during Wuhan and Delta days, DOH has just ordered hospitals to reopen and reserve Covid-19 wards and beds in preparation for a possible pandemic resurgence.

Taking out beds on an “in case” basis is highly problematic; many people get ill at this very hot time of year and reserving beds for Covid-19 cases may mean regular illness / injury cases cannot be seen and treated. The Philippines health care system often struggles to meet patient requirements during peak illness seasons. This will be made worse if people are terrified into demanding hospital care, even for mild cases, which did happen in prior waves.

Why is the media fear-mongering?

Shouldn’t they and the DOH be reassuring people that Covid-19 is now usually mild, instructing on appropriate home care and early treatment? Letting people know which symptoms might need expert care, and which can be managed easily at home.

Prisoners Deprived of Visitors

People deprived of liberty (PDL) in Bilibig New Prison are to be deprived of visitors due to 48 new covid-19 cases having been detected. The prison will also revert to prior restrictions including the requirement presentation of vaccination card and antigen test results for any persons entering the prison.

University Students Deprived of Classes

University of the Philippines Baguio and Cebu Campuses have suspended classes this week over detected Covid-19 cases. Bagio is said to be at moderate risk from Covid-19 with 1 -7 cases/ 100,000 persons being reported daily.

Are Cases High and Alarming?

Let’s get real! Where does the Philippines stand on the global stage in terms of cases? They are slap bang right at the very bottom of the cases per million people among the listed countries which have mostly lifted or are about to lift all requirements!

WAKE UP PHILIPPINES! Is this worth putting everything on hold, damaging the economy, driving everyone further into poverty over?