The Department of Health said Thursday it would stop releasing daily COVID-19 cases starting March 7 and will replace it with a weekly tally as the country adjusts to the "new normal."
Instead of reporting the daily number of cases, the DOH will focus on severe and critical cases, along with the intensive care unit occupancy and vaccination coverage, Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
"Hindi n'yo po kailangan mag-agam-agam dahil ang DOH will closely monitor the situation. Gusto lang ho natin magkaroon ng change in mindset, magkaroon ng sense of normalcy ang ating mga kababayan at makapag-focus po tayo sa consequences that we care about, which are the deaths and also the severity of this disease," she told TeleRadyo.
"Kapag may tumaas po na kaso halimbawa may uptick, magbibigay impormasyon agad ang DOH para po mapigilan natin ang further spread ng sakit."
Filipinos should start "living with the virus" while managing the risks, which includes accepting the possibility of getting infected but with mild to no symptoms, said Vergeire.
"Ang pinakaimportante talaga walang namamatay, walang nagkakaroon ng malubhang sakit dito sa sakit na ito at ang ating ospital hindi nao-overwhelm."
The virus is till here, Vergeire said, as she reminded the public to continue wearing their face masks and practice physical distancing especially during the campaign period where masses gather to support their chosen candidates.
Metro Manila and 38 areas are under Alert Level 1 until March 15, the first time it was declared since the pandemic struck Manila in March 2020. Under Alert Level 1 or "new normal", all establishments and all modes of transportation are allowed to operate at full capacity.
READ:
Alert Level 1 Rules: Goodbye Contact-Tracing, Face Masks Here to Stay
LIST: Areas Under Alert Level 1 from March 1-15
Alert Level 1: Where Proof of COVID Vaccination is Required
How Commuter Life Will Change Under Alert Level 1