The Philippines has improved its ranking in Bloomberg’s latest COVID-19 Resilience Ranking.
After a consecutive month in the last place, the Philippines rose to 50th place.
According to Bloomberg, this is because quarantine restrictions have been loosened, vaccination rates have risen, and the percentage of those who test positive for COVID-19 has fallen – signs that the spread of the disease has allegedly been controlled.
The Philippines has overtaken Indonesia, which was severely affected by the delta variant of COVID-19 this year, and South Africa, which is now experiencing a high number of cases due to the more contagious omicron variant.
This December, Vietnam is last on the list.
In the latest World Health Organization (WHO) record, the omicron variant has already been seen in more than 100 countries.
Although there are articles that say those with omicron variants do not suffer from chronic illness, the WHO continues to warn that this is not a reason for the public to be complacent.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead for COVID-19, explained that omicron has not been widespread for a long time, so it has not been fully confirmed.
PH is no longer at the bottom of Bloomberg resiliency ranking
“It is too early to conclude whether or not omicron is less severe than delta or is as severe as delta,” she said.
The WHO also reminded that vaccines against the omicron variant are still effective.
Although many countries already provide a booster, it is not the answer to prevent virus infection.
“Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead with planned celebrations without the need for other precautions,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.
According to the WHO, 2022 could be the year when the pandemic will end.
“As we approach a new year, we must all learn the painful lessons this year taught us. Twenty-twenty-two must be the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it must also be the beginning of something else – a new era of solidarity,” said Ghebreyesus.