The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring COVID-19 cases following recent reports of increased cases around Southeast Asia.

In a statement on Saturday, DOH said "in the Philippines, as of May 3, 2025, we have observed an 87 percent decrease in cases and fatalities from 2024, with only 1,774 COVID-19 cases reported this year compared to 14,074 last year. The case fatality rate is only 1.13 percent".

"Recent trends also indicate a slight decrease in reported cases over the past three to four weeks. From 71 cases in the week of March 23 to April 5, 2025, it has decreased to 65 cases from April 6 to 19", it said.

DOH said that they are coordinating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for "verified information (and) boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm".

"We are committed to keeping the public informed and will provide timely updates should the situation evolve. We encourage everyone to stay informed through official DOH channels, and continue practicing the same preventive measures that protect from other diseases", it added.

The DOH urges people to continue wearing face masks in healthcare facilities, stay home when sick, cover mouths when coughing and sneezing, regularly wash hands with soap and water and seek early consultation for symptoms. Marie Manalili/DMS