Press Release | 21 May 2024

The DOH continues to track COVID-19 case counts and newly designated variants under monitoring, in parallel with international developments. All Philippine regions remain to be at low risk for COVID-19. There is no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Department remains to be in close coordination with international health authorities, and its Bureau of Quarantine is keeping watch over points of entry nationwide. The voluntary use of face masks should be done properly, along with standard precautions like hand washing, avoiding crowds, and choosing good airflow.

As of May 12, 2024, only 11% (119/1,117) of dedicated COVID-19 ICU beds were occupied. Only 13% (1,238/9,571) of dedicated COVID-19 non-ICU beds were occupied. Severe and critical COVID-19 cases admitted in various hospitals total to only 116, based on hospital reports in the DOH Data Collect application.

From May 7 to 13, 2024, 877 new COVID-19 cases were reported, with an average of 125 cases reported per day. While there is an observed increase recently, it is small and lower than previously observed increases. Out of the new cases reported, 7 had severe or critical disease. Five (5) deaths were recorded, which occurred in the recent 2 weeks (April 30 to May 13).

It is important to note that by law, doctors, their clinics, hospitals and other facilities are required to accurately and immediately report cases of COVID-19, whether tested by PCR or rapid antigen test. This will help guide public health decision-making.

According to a May 17, 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Epidemiological Update, there are three new variants under monitoring (VUM): JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3. All of these are descendants of JN.1.

Variants KP.2 and KP.3 are the proper names of what is informally known as “FLiRT” variants. FLiRT is a nickname coined by some researchers to describe amino acid changes in the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein, specifically from phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456, and from arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346. WHO observed that “there are currently no reported laboratory or epidemiological reports indicating any association between VOIs/VUMs and increased disease severity.”

The above means that there is no evidence now that the KP.2 and KP.3 variants are causing severe to critical COVID-19, both locally and internationally. There is no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. Further assessment is needed to determine transmissibility and capacity to evade immune response.

Good respiratory hygiene (covering coughs), washing hands, choosing less crowds, and ensuring good airflow and ventilation are tried and tested ways to prevent ILIs including COVID-19. It is also best for those who feel ill to stay at home for the meantime, or to properly wear a mask should there be a need to go out.