WITH the end of the global emergency status for coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, May 6, 2023, said it is set to reevaluate and reassess the existing health protocols and guidelines in the Philippines.
In a brief statement, the DOH said it will meet with the other members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to discuss the latest developments on Covid-19.
"The DOH will convene the members of the IATF-EID to discuss and reassess policies and other guidelines affected by the declaration," said the DOH.
"The DOH guarantees the Filipino people that all factors in determining our next action in line with the WHO's proclamation will be considered and discussed for the approval of the President," it added.
The DOH issued the statement hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) ended the global emergency status for Covid-19.
According to the health department, the end of the global emergency status is a result of the massive international effort to combat the pandemic.
"This is an acknowledgment of our effective and collaborative Covid-19 response and concerted efforts to fully recover and reopen our economy," said the DOH.
On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared Covid-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
As of May 3, 2023, there have been 765,222,932 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 6,921,614 deaths, globally.
In the Philippines, a total of 4,099,088 cases have been recorded, including 66,444 deaths, as of May 5. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)