Quezon city: The Quezon City government has urged residents not to panic despite an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city over the past three weeks, stressing that all reported infections have been mild, isolated, and remain manageable.
According to Philippines News Agency, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte assured residents that the city government is closely monitoring the situation. "While there has been an increase in cases, they still represent a very small percentage of our total population. We are not seeing any clustering of cases, and all reported infections have been mild and isolated," she said.
Mayor Belmonte emphasized the commitment of the City Health Department to provide appropriate medical interventions through the city's health centers and hospitals for residents experiencing similar symptoms. She encouraged everyone to remain vigilant but assured there is no need to panic.
Data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) indicated that confirmed Covid-19 cases rose to 84 from June 11 to July 1, up from 23 cases recorded between May 21 and June 10. Since January, the city government has recorded a total of 146 confirmed Covid-19 cases through a proactive surveillance system that gathers reports from hospitals and health centers.
The QCESD reported that most patients experienced influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and colds, leading them to seek medical consultation. They later tested positive for Covid-19 under standard health protocols. Other Metro Manila cities have also seen a similar increase in Covid-19 cases during the same period.
Mayor Belmonte highlighted the importance of seeking medical attention early if symptoms develop and practicing preventive measures to protect oneself and others. She noted that the city's 66 health centers continue to offer free medical consultations, including Covid-19 testing when necessary, and provide medicines for symptomatic patients.
The QCESD is working closely with the Department of Health to submit samples for genome sequencing to identify the Covid-19 variant currently circulating in the community. Health officials urged residents to continue practicing basic preventive measures such as wearing face masks when sick or in crowded places, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and consulting healthcare professionals if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
