WHILE not included in the official tally, the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) antigen test results are closely being monitored by the Department of Health (DOH).This was its assurance amid concerns of antigen test results not being included in the official tally of the DOH, thereby resulting in Covid-19 being under-reported, according to the independent Octa Research.”While the antigen test results are not yet counted in the DOH reports, we are monitoring these through our Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units, who track the compliance of antigen test reporting from LGUs and health facilities,” said the DOH in a statement.”The DOH is confident in the accuracy of reporting of cases and surveillance of our units,” it added.Regardless of the number of cases, the health department said that what is more important is the low occupancy rates of Covid-19 hospital beds.As of July 28, 2022, the DOH said the country is still at low risk case classification with Covid-19 bed and ICU utilization rates of less than 29 percent and 24 percent, respectively.”Even with the observed increase in cases, it is more important that our bed and ICU utilization rates stay low,” it said.”It means that our hospitals stay open and are not overwhelmed,” added the DOH.Last week, OCTA fellow Guido David said they believe that the current number of Covid-19 cases is under-reported.David said this is due to the low number of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing being done, with more people opting to use antigen tests. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)