THE country’s average daily coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases may drop to at least 70 per day by the end of April if the vaccination rate, including the administration of booster shots, will continue to increase and the adherence to the minimum public health standards (MPHS) will be maintained, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.Vergeire said based on the experts’ projection, if the compliance to the MPHS will decrease to 20 percent, there may be around 670 cases per day by the end of April.“Ang mga projections po ay base sa mga assumptions. Anything can still happen,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.The MPHS includes the mandatory wearing of face masks, observance of physical distancing and frequent hand washing or disinfection.From March 21 to 27, the country’s average daily Covid-19 cases were at 389.The top five regions contributing to the total new Covid-19 cases over the past week are the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Central Visayas and Western Visayas.The DOH has recorded a total of 752 new Covid-related deaths.Vergeire said the national positivity rate is currently at 2.1 percent and the country remains under the minimal risk classification for Covid-19.Dr. Edsel Salvana of the Department of Health (DOH)-Technical Advisory Group reminded the public of the importance of wearing face mask in preventing another Covid-19 surge in the country.“’Yung ibang mga country, nakita naman natin nung nagtanggal sila ng face mask (rule), sumipa ang kanilang mga (Covid-19) cases,” he said.He said the entry of another Covid-19 variant can also be a risk factor and may cause a spike in cases.Dr. Anna Ong-Lim of the DOH Technical Advisory Group also warned over the possibility of another surge due to gatherings amid the campaign period.She urged the participants of these activities to get vaccinated and strictly observe MPHS to prevent the spread of Covid-19.“Pag meron na kayong nararamdaman or masama ang pakiramdam n’yo, wag na kayong pumunta (sa gatherings) para hindi naman kayo makaapekto sa ibang tao,” said Ong-Lim.The officials reiterated the call of the National Government for the public to get vaccination against Covid-19, especially the booster shots for senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities, noting that the efficacy of the vaccine against severe or critical illness, even deaths, wanes over time.Vergeire said as of March 28, 65.7 million individuals in the country or 73.02 percent of the target population are fully vaccinated, while around 11.8 million received booster doses.Of the fully vaccinated, 6.5 million were senior citizens or 75.56 percent of the target A2 population.She said 77.87 percent of the target adolescent population and 5.82 percent of the target children population are already fully vaccinated. (SunStar Philippines)