NEW Covid-19 cases are on the rise in parts of Metro Manila and in nearby areas, increasing by 36 percent, prompting the Department of Health (DoH) to advise the public to “adhere to the minimum public health standards under Alert Level 1.”

Data from the DoH showed that an average of 269 Covid cases were reported from Dec. 5 to 11, 2023, in at least five areas, up from 191 from November 28 to December 4.

Based on the new cases recorded in the last 14 days, Quezon City had 334; Manila City, 154; Makati City, 145; Cavite, 137; and Rizal, 131.

As of December 11, about 1,821 new cases were recorded nationwide, 13 of them severe and critical, the DoH said.

According to the DoH’s Covid-19 tracker, as of December 12, Quezon

City recorded the highest number among cities and provinces nationwide at 278,331; followed by Cavite at 245,170; Laguna with 183,119; Manila with 165,258; and Rizal with 161,084.

There are a total of 4,127,769 Covid-19 cases nationwide, of which 3,813 are active.

“Everyone is reminded not to be complacent about the threat of Covid-19. Rather, we must continue to adhere to the minimum public health standards of Alert Level 1. To further protect against Covid-19, we recommend using a booster,” the health department said in a statement.

Under Alert Level 1, “all establishments, persons, or activities are allowed to operate, work or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards.”

The DoH said that of the total 1,298 ICU (intensive care unit) beds for patients with Covid-19, 176, or 13.6 percent, are occupied, while 1,833 or 16.5 percent of the 11,111 non-ICU Covid-19 beds are currently in use as of December 10.

The health department also reported that more than 78 million individuals, or 100.44 percent of the target, have been vaccinated against Covid-19 while 23 million individuals have received some booster shots.

Mask up

Meanwhile, in anticipation of the celebrations this Christmas season, Manila Mayor Maria Sheila “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan advised residents to remain vigilant and mask up when in places of convergence.

Lacuna said that despite the lifting of the health emergency status, there is no denying that “Covid is still here,” with no less than high-profile personalities in the government having been infected recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. included.

“This appeal especially goes to those who have comorbidities or are in the senior age group who are more prone to getting infected. Since attending gatherings cannot be helped owing to the holidays, at least be extra careful and wear a face mask,” Lacuna said.

The mayor stressed the need to continue wearing properly fitting face masks, washing hands frequently and staying in wellventilated areas, and immediately isolating individuals displaying Covid-19 symptoms.