Covid-19 cases in the country rose to 422,915 after 1,202 additional cases were logged on Wednesday.
As of 4 p.m. of November 25, the Department of Health (DOH) said that there were 183 recoveries and 31 deaths recorded.
Of the total number of cases, 6.6 percent (27,745) are active cases, 91.5 percent (386,955) have recovered, and 1.94 percent ( 8,215) have died.
Eight laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Data Repository System on November 24, 2020.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque reminded the public “not to let your guards down” noting that the threat of Covid-19 is still ever-present.
The DOH has issued Department Circular (DC) No. 2020-0355 or the Reiteration of the “Minimum Public Health Standards for Covid-19 Mitigation” during the Holidays to provide guidance on how to observe minimum public health standards during the holidays and ensure the health and safety of everyone participating in celebrations and activities.
The DOH noted that the holidays in the Philippines usually mean reuniting with friends and relatives, hosting and attending large in-person gatherings, and even traveling.
But this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these usual activities are not advisable as these place the public at much higher risk of contracting the virus.
In preparation for the holiday season, the DOH has provided risk-mitigation measures for the public to adhere to during the holiday season such as:
1. Limiting the number of people in social gatherings and activities;
2. Avoiding activities that may include traveling;
3. Opting to activities with only a short duration of contact;
4. Practicing BIDA (B-bawal walang mask, I-i-sanitize ang mga kamay, D-dumistansya ng isang metro, A-alamin ang totoong impormasyon).
5. Avoiding contact on high-touch surfaces;
6. Ensuring proper ventilation in venues; and
7. Increasing physical and mental resilience.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also addressed the public, reminding them of the underlying risks of exposing oneself to overcrowded places.
“Exploring congested areas, close-contact settings, and confined places are the three risk factors that pose a high risk of Covid-19 transmission,” Vergeire said.
“Reduce your risk during the holiday season by strictly complying with the minimum public health standards in all our activities,” she said.