RISE IN COVID-19 CASES IN QC ‘NO CAUSE FOR ALARM’

HEALTH officials in Quezon City assured the public  that the recorded increase in COVID-19 cases in the city over the past three weeks is “no cause for alarm.”

Based on data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (CESD), gathered from hospitals and health centers, the city recorded 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases from May 21 to June 10. This increased to 84 confirmed cases from June 11 to July 1.

However, the city health officials said all reported cases have been mild and there has been no evidence of clustering or severe illness.

The CESD likewise learned that other cities in Metro Manila have also recorded increases in COVID-19 cases during the same period.

Since the start of the year, Quezon City has recorded a total of 146 confirmed COVID-19 cases through the city’s proactive surveillance system.

Most patients experienced influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and colds, prompting them to seek medical consultation at hospitals and health centers. In accordance with standard health protocols, they were tested for COVID-19, leading to the confirmation of their cases.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte assured residents that while the city is closely monitoring the situation, the current trend remains manageable.

“We assure the public that the city government is closely monitoring these developments. While there has been an increase in cases, they still represent a very small percentage of our total population. We are not seeing any clustering of cases, and all reported infections have been mild and isolated,” Belmonte said.

“Our City Health Department will continue to provide appropriate medical interventions through our city health centers and hospitals for residents experiencing similar symptoms. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, but there is no need to panic. The best thing we can do is seek medical attention early if symptoms develop and continue practicing simple preventive measures that protect ourselves and those around us,” she added.

The city’s 66 health centers continue to provide free medical consultations, COVID-19 testing when indicated, and medicines for symptomatic patients.

Meanwhile, the CESD is coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) to submit samples for genome sequencing to determine the COVID-19 variant currently circulating in the community.

The City Health Department and the CESD remind residents to seek medical consultation if they experience influenza-like symptoms.

The public is likewise encouraged to wear face masks when sick or in crowded areas, practice proper hand hygiene, and follow the advice of healthcare professionals to help prevent the spread of infection.