Despite recent reports of COVID-19 infections in several parts of Southeast Asia, the Department of Health has assured Filipinos that it is closely monitoring the developments.
On Saturday, the department said in a statement that it is working with “active mechanisms,” including ASEAN, to obtain verified data to enhance the country’s preparedness.
As of May 3, 2025, the Philippines has seen an 87% drop in COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to 2024, with only 1,774 cases reported this year so far, down from 14,074 last year. The death rate is low at just 1.13%.
In the past three to four weeks, the number of reported cases has also slightly gone down, from 71 cases between March 23 and April 5 to 65 cases between April 6 and 19.
“We are committed to keeping the public informed and will provide timely updates should the situation evolve,” the DOH said, as it reminded the public to practicing preventive measures.
There are wearing face masks when in healthcare facilities, staying at home when sick, covering mouth when coughing and sneezing, regularly washing hands with soap and water, and seeking early consultation when COVID-19 symptoms manifest.
Based on a report by state-owned Philippine News Agency, Hong Kong and Singapore have recently recorded a spike in COVID-19 cases. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health reported that the estimated number of infections rose to 14,000 during the week ending May 3, up from 11,100 the previous week.
However, the ministry clarified that there is no evidence suggesting the current variants are more contagious or cause more severe illness.
Its health authorities noted that the territory’s “major surveillance indicators” for COVID-19 have reached their highest levels in a year, a trend they attributed to changes in the dominant virus strains and waning herd immunity.
While no total case count was disclosed, the city recorded 81 severe cases among adults in the past four weeks, including 30 fatalities.
