Private hospital group sees gradual, steady increase in COVID-19 admissions

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19) — A group of private hospitals on Friday said they are seeing a gradual, steady increase in the number of COVID-19 patients being admitted in hospitals.

“We have noticed for the past few days a gradual steady, although not abrupt increase, and hopefully does not translate into full occupancy,” Dr. Jose de Grano, president of Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAPI), told CNN Philippines.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Thursday additional 2,014 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of currently ill patients to 16,504.

De Grano also noted COVID-19 bed occupancy rates for some hospitals have gone beyond 20% and 50%.

Some of the regions with the highest levels of admissions are the National Capital Region, Western Visayas, and Davao Region, he added.

Despite the increasing trend, de Grano assured the public that hospitals have enough supplies to attend to COVID-19 cases

While coronavirus patients are usually advised to isolate at home, hospitals are also still able to admit them especially if they have comorbidities, he said.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David said in a tweet on Friday that the seven-day positivity rate in Metro Manila remained at 26% as of May 17. This data refers to the number of people testing positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, NCR's hospital occupancy slightly increased from 28% as of May 10 to 30% as of May 17, while ICU occupancy increased from 23% to 25% in the same period, he added.

The DOH has said the use of face mask will not be reimposed, but local government units can implement the policy if they see the need to do so.

Baguio City has reimposed the mandatory use of face masks indoors, while employees and individuals with transactions in the Manila City Hall and its satellite offices are now required to wear a face mask at all times.