WHO warns of a surge in COVID-19 cases if unsafe gatherings continue - ISS-G20 Laboratorium Repository

Manila, Philippines (4 April 2022) – With the unsafe gatherings and social mixing expected in the next two months, a surge in COVID-19 cases is quite likely, says a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

 

From April to May 2022, Filipinos will observe Ramadan and Holy Week and engage in election-related activities.  

 

Everyone should at least wear a mask and get booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines, as prescribed by the government, to prepare for and possibly avoid a potential surge, said Dr Rajendra Yadav, Acting WHO Representative to the Philippines.  

 

“The continuous recalibration of the country’s COVID-19 response strategies is essential to prepare for a possible surge in cases and manage COVID-19 sustainably. Therefore, WHO recommends focusing on the priority groups that remain unvaccinated and house-to-house vaccination for these groups,” said Dr Yadav. 

 

Dr Yadav said that continued masking and high vaccination coverage are the bare minimum tools against COVID-19. WHO recommends that the national government, Local Government Units (LGUs), and communities take urgent actions to reach the unvaccinated individuals from the priority groups, particularly senior citizens and indigents, to achieve high coverage with the primary series and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines.  

 

“There are three reasons for providing COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. First, current evidence shows that protection provided by the vaccines against infection or disease, particularly severe disease, wanes gradually. Second, there could be reduced protection against more transmissible Variants of Concern over time. And third, some risk groups may not develop adequate protection from the recommended primary series of the existing vaccines,” said Dr Yadav.  

 

Dr Yadav also reminded local chief executives of areas with less than 70% vaccination coverage among all eligible age groups to implement an all-out effort to reach and exceed that target for the primary series and booster shots. He added that the current window of opportunity might be closing before the next potential wave strikes the country.   

 

 

“LGUs need to implement a more targeted approach of closer-to-home and mobile vaccinations to reach these vulnerable individuals. We cannot continue waiting for them to come to the health facilities. Instead, we need to reach these unreached populations by deploying outreach vaccinators immediately. In addition, we need to prioritise geographical areas with the largest number of unvaccinated senior citizens,” said Dr Yadav.  

 

Dr Yadav also said that balikbayans and people from urban areas who will visit their homes during the holidays need to protect their family members who are elderly and have comorbidities. The best way to protect them is through vaccination because vaccines can lessen the risks of severe disease, hospitalisation, or death.  

 

 

“WHO strongly recommends decentralised facility-based and community-based vaccination campaigns while reducing over-reliance on mega-sites for closing the last mile. Moreover, WHO suggests integrating COVID-19 vaccination with routine vaccination services whenever feasible,” said Dr Yadav. 

 

An essential aspect of reaching the ‘last mile’ is identifying the remaining unvaccinated priority groups and adult population up to the barangay level. WHO recommends LGUs update their micro-plans using this granular data and share with local leaders how often and where they need to set up close-to-home vaccination services to meet the target vaccination coverage.  

 

Partnerships with non-government organisations and private sectors help augment human resources for a decentralised strategy of vaccination delivery. For example, LGUs with the highest number of unvaccinated populations may apply the bayanihan strategy by mobilising human resources from the neighbouring LGUs. 

 

“WHO strongly recommends leveraging the current opportunity provided by low COVID-19 transmission to identify and engage barangay-level influencers who can address concerns on vaccine safety,” said Dr Yadav.  

 

WHO also calls for additional resources for barangay health workers to support their last-mile efforts. For instance, they may need support for transportation, meal allowances, and printed copies of relevant information materials. 

 

 

“We have come a long way in our COVID-19 response, but the pandemic is not over yet,” said Dr Yadav. “Let us continue to protect our families and communities and make the holidays safe and meaningful. We can gather safely – in small groups, outdoors, and for shorter durations. Let us continue to encourage our family members, especially senior citizens and those at high risk, to get vaccinated with their primary doses and boosters. No one should be left behind. No one is safe until everyone is safe.” 

 

Entire content available on: https://www.who.int/philippines/news/detail/06-04-2022-who-warns-surge-covid-19-cases-unsafe-gatherings-continue