The management of St Luke’s Medical Center is concerned about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, according to an official.
“Although not in huge numbers, ang very concerning sa amin is the positivity rate that nakikita namin sa ER. Ang, in Quezon City for example yung (emergency room) COVID test positivity rate namin rose up to 42 percent,” said the hospital’s medical director Dr. Benjamin Campomanes.
“So ibig sabihin pag pumunta ka sa ER, at suspected COVID ka, 42 percent ang nagpa-positive sa COVID doon.
“From zero mga four days, five days ago we have now 8 admitted in Quezon City. In BGC, we now have 17 admitted from a low of mga 3 or 4. So’ yun ang concerning sa’min.”
Meanwhile, according to Dr. Jonas del Rosario, the Philippine General Hospital spokesperson, the number of COVID-19 patients increased from 13 on December 25 to 65 on Wednesday, December 29.
Del Rosario said the feared new coronavirus surge can be combated if the relevant agencies respond quickly.
“It’s partly dependent on how we react. It’s good that we’re aware there’s a slight increase, and now we have ways of trying to counteract this possible surge,” he recommended in an interview with ANC.
St. Luke’s hospital warns vs. uptick in COVID-19 cases
Del Rosario also believes that COVID cases will increase further in the next few days, but he could not say if it is similar to the previous delta surge.
“Although theoretically they say the omicron is variant, if ever the omicron variant comes to our country, it’s more transmissible,” said Del Rosario.
“So theoretically you should expect probably an increased number of cases in the community, and eventually that will fill up our hospitals.”
Campomanes added that very few had been admitted to their hospitals, which may be due to vaccines.
“Although konti lang ang naa-admit, kasi madami nang nagpopositibo eh mild cases so ina-attribute namin ito sa mga bakuna,” said Campomanes.
“So, if you’re vaccinated, you can get sick pero you don’t get hospitalized or die.”
Campomanes reminded me that this is not yet the right time for parties and large gatherings of family and friends.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.