Spike can be classified as ‘second wave’ — group 

THE spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases could be classified as the country’s “second wave,” a group said on Sunday.

Dr. Jomar Rabajante, a member of the University of the Philippines (UP) Pandemic Response Team, said the 5,000 cases reported on Saturday, the highest since August 26, 2020, can be considered a second wave of infection.

“This could be considered as a second wave kasi in terms of nung peak, talagang pataas uli (This could be considered as a second wave because cases are really rising),” he said in a radio interview.

“I hope itong peak ng second wave ay hindi mas mataas kaysa sa first (I hope the peak of the second wave will not be higher than the first),” he added.

He noted that since the virus peak in August last year, cases had decreased until the surge reported on Saturday.

On August 10, 2020, the country recorded  6,958 cases of the new coronavirus, the highest single-day increase in the country.

Rabajante however said that the country is more prepared to deal with surges.

“In terms of health care, medyo handa tayo, pero inamin na din ng gobyerno na kulang tayo sa contact tracing

(In terms of health care, we are a bit prepared. But we are lacking in contact tracing),” he said.