THE Department of Health (DOH) has said that there is no cause for alarm despite reports of increasing Covid-19 cases in some parts of Southeast Asia.
In its advisory, the DOH said that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with regional bodies, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), to gather verified information and ensure preparedness.
“The DOH is actively monitoring Covid-19 trends, including the recently reported increases in specific areas of Southeast Asia. We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like the Asean,” the DOH said in its advisory Friday, May 17, 2025.
“This gives us verified information, boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm,” it added.
The DOH 7 also shared the advisory on its official Facebook page.
The health department reported that as of May 3, the Philippines recorded an 87 percent decrease in Covid-19 cases and deaths compared to the same period last year. A total of 1,774 cases have been reported so far in 2025, down from 14,074 in 2024.
The case fatality rate also dropped to 1.13 percent.
Weekly case reports declined from 71 between March 23 and April 5 to 65 cases from April 6 to 19, the DOH said.
The department urged the public to stay updated through official DOH channels and continue practicing preventive health measures, including wearing face masks in healthcare facilities, staying home when sick, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, regular handwashing with soap and water and seeking early consultation for symptoms. / CDF