DOH Press Release | 16 February 2024

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to closely monitor cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and COVID-19 in the Philippines. The numbers of ILI and COVID-19 cases are on a downward trend as of the latest reports, and are expected to plateau over the next month.

Nationally, A total of 16,155 ILI cases were reported from January 1 to February 3, 2024. This is 19% lower compared to 19,935 ILI cases reported in the same period in 2023.

A 10% decrease in ILI cases was observed, comparing the period December 24 to January 6, 2023 (8,199 cases) with January 7 to 20, 2024 (7,372 cases). This number has gone down further to 4,487 cases, recorded from January 21 to February 3, 2024. The numbers may change as there may be late consultations and reports.

At a regional level, Regions I, IV-B, XII, Caraga, and BARMM showed case increase in the recent 3-4 weeks (January 7 to 20, 2024), reporting 266 to 967 new cases in the recent 4 weeks.

Nine deaths have been reported from January 1-February 3, 2024 resulting to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.06% for 2024.

Meanwhile, as of February 11, 2024, out of the 1,345 dedicated COVID-19 ICU beds, only 151 (11%) were occupied, while only 1,528 (14%) of the 11,291 dedicated COVID-19 non-ICU beds were occupied. Severe and critical COVID-19 cases admitted in various hospitals total to only 184, based on hospital reports in the DOH Data Collect application.

From February 6 to 12, six hundred sixty one (661) new COVID-19 cases were reported, which results to an average of only 94 cases reported per day. This is 35% lower compared to the average number of daily cases recorded last January 30 to February 5. Out of the new cases reported, 7 had severe or critical disease. Only 2 deaths were recorded, both of which occurred in the recent 2 weeks (January 30 to February 12).

The DOH appreciates that good respiratory hygiene (covering coughs), washing hands, choosing less crowds, and ensuring good airflow and ventilation are positive behaviors seen among our population. It is also best for those who feel ill to stay at home for the meantime, or to wear a mask should there be a need to go out. By continuing these practices in addition to being updated with vaccination, we can be united in keeping ILI and COVID-19 down.

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