The Department of Health (DOH) assured the public there is no need to panic following a reported spike in COVID-19 cases in some Southeast Asian countries, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
In a statement on Saturday, the DOH said, “We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like the ASEAN. This gives us verified information, boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm.”
Singapore’s Ministry of Health reported a rise in estimated weekly cases—from 11,100 to 14,000 as of May 3—but clarified that the circulating variants are not more transmissible or severe. Hong Kong, meanwhile, saw its major surveillance indicators reach a one-year high, with 81 severe cases and 30 fatalities recorded in the past four weeks. Authorities attributed the rise to new strains and declining herd immunity.
Despite regional upticks, the Philippines remains stable. The DOH reported only 1,774 COVID-19 cases from January to May 3, 2025—an 87 percent drop compared to 14,074 during the same period last year. The case fatality rate remains low at 1.13 percent, with a slight decrease in cases observed over the past month.
From March 23 to April 5, the country recorded 71 new cases. This further declined to 65 from April 6 to 19.
“We are committed to keeping the public informed and will provide timely updates should the situation evolve,” the DOH said. “We encourage everyone to stay informed through official DOH channels, and continue practicing the same preventive measures that protect from other diseases.”
The DOH reminded the public to wear face masks in healthcare facilities, stay home when sick, practice respiratory hygiene, and seek early consultation when symptoms appear.
