Covid-19 infections in the Philippines remained low this year, with confirmed cases falling by 70 percent compared with the same period in 2025, the Department of Health said Friday.
The DOH recorded 1,532 cases from Jan. 4 to July 11, down from 5,070 infections reported during the corresponding period last year.
Despite the sharp decline, health officials urged the public to continue observing basic precautions against Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
The agency advised people to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and maintain proper hygiene.
Those experiencing symptoms were told to consult the nearest health center or medical facility and follow measures that could reduce the risk of spreading infection.
The DOH said Covid-19 could cause no symptoms or develop into mild to severe respiratory illness, depending on the patient.
Possible signs include fever, chills, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, breathing difficulty, stomach problems, and changes in taste or smell.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines had earlier called for vigilance after increases were reported in areas such as Quezon City, while stressing that recent cases were generally less severe and did not warrant panic.
