No Need to Panic Over Rise in Covid-19 Cases Abroad
Recent reports of increased Covid-19 cases in countries like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore have raised concerns among the public. However, experts assure that there is no need to panic over rise in Covid-19 cases abroad as these fluctuations are expected and do not indicate the appearance of a new variant.
According to infectious disease specialists, the cases reported overseas have not yet appeared locally this month. One expert explained, “Iyong mga kasong naitala sa ibang bansa hindi pa natin na-experience ngayong buwan.” This means the Philippines has not seen the same case surges as other nations recently.
Why Are Cases Rising Abroad?
Experts emphasize that countries with strong disease surveillance and reporting systems are more likely to detect and announce increases in infections. “Actually, expected naman ito sa mga ibang bansa, especially maganda ‘yung surveillance nila, reporting of cases. Talagang hanggang ngayon, itong Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore are really active sa surveillance nila in any increase in the respiratory track infections,” a source said.
The rise in cases abroad is attributed to the continued circulation of the virus combined with the relaxation of health protocols. “There are countries na circulating pa rin ang infection na ‘to and alam naman natin nagbaba na tayo ng mga health protocol… parang influenza lang ‘yan during November and December,” the expert added. This comparison highlights how respiratory infections tend to increase seasonally.
Understanding the Virus Variants
Importantly, experts confirm that the current virus strains causing the recent case increases are still part of the Omicron family, which has been de-escalated. “Ang Covid, hindi pa rin nawawala… this is still the old variant of the different lineages of the Omicron but na-deescalate na ito… ang ability ng virus na ito na magiging severe or tumataas ang transmissibility… hindi nagbabago,” the expert explained.
This means the virus has not evolved to become more severe or more contagious recently. Consequently, clusters of cases in some countries do not signal a new threat. “So ibig sabihin, there will be countries that will be reporting clusters of increase in cases but it’s nothing. That is not something to be alarmed with or kailangan tayong mag-panic,” the expert emphasized.
No Alarming Trend in the Philippines
Locally, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially developments in nearby Southeast Asian countries. Despite slight increases in infections abroad, the Philippines maintains a steady decline in cases. The Department of Health reassured the public: “We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like ASEAN. This provides us with verified information, boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm.”
Data shows a significant drop in Covid-19 cases and deaths compared to the previous year. As of early May, the country reported an 87 percent decrease in cases and fatalities. So far in 2025, only 1,774 cases have been recorded, a sharp contrast to the 14,074 cases during the same period last year. The case fatality rate has also improved to 1.13 percent, reflecting better management and clinical outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Experts advise the public to stay vigilant but not alarmed by the reported increases abroad. The current situation is a reminder that Covid-19 remains present globally, yet with effective monitoring and health measures, the risk of severe outbreaks can be managed.
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