The OCTA Research Group believes that there would be less than 5,000 COVID-19 cases per day in the country.
According to OCTA fellow Guido David, based on their projection, by mid-February, it is possible that the number of cases will not reach 10,000 per day and even less in late February.
David exemplified the rapid decline of the COVID-19 case in South Africa and even in Metro Manila.
David also said that even in the regions, the case of infection is also declining rapidly.
He also said that the number of cases recorded in Visayas and Mindanao, such as Cebu City, Tacloban, Iloilo, and Davao City, has decreased.
David also believes that the increase in the number due to the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant should not be a concern, but he should still be careful because it is not impossible to have a “major resurgence.”
He said vaccination should be continued, including the injection of boosters shots to avoid a sudden increase in cases.
COVID-19 cases to fall to 5K per day – OCTA
“Sinasabi lang natin na it’s unlikely na magkaroon ng resurgence, as long as efficacious pa rin iyong mga bakuna natin. Kaya kailangan siyempre patuloy na magpa-booster shots ang mga kababayan natin para tumaas ulit iyong efficacy nila, iyong protection nila against the virus,” said David.
Meanwhile, the government targets up to 15 million children between the ages of 5-11 to be vaccinated with the introduction of ‘pediatric vaccination’ in that age group.
“Sa February 4 mag-uumpisa tayo sa ilang ospital kagaya rin nung ginawa natin nung 12 to 17 (years old). Inuna natin ang mga batang may comorbidity o immunocompromised dahil sila talaga ang high-risk,” said Dr. Ted Herbosa, adviser of the government pandemic response.
The Pfizer vaccine will be used for such vaccination of children and will be started at six sites. These include the Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Manila Zoo, SM North EDSA Skydome, and Fil Oil Gym in San Juan City.
As was done in the 12-17 age group, those with comorbidities or immunocompromised will be given priority in the 5-11 age group due to their ‘high risk’ with COVID-19.
Children to be vaccinated must first present a ‘medical certificate’ from their doctor.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.