Philippines

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85

27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Situation summary
Please see the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) daily Situation Update for further information.

2,490,858 2,292,006 37,596 17,007,328

Cases Recoveries Deaths Vaccinated

• DOH recorded 161,4471 active cases as of 26 September 2021, 50% for both male and female, with
the most affected age group 20-29 years. Breakdown of active cases (based on disposition upon
accomplishing case investigation forms) are as follows:
o Asymptomatic: 21,624 (13.4%)
o Mild: 130,885 (81.1%)
o Moderate: 5,134 (3.2%)
o Severe: 2,630 (1.6%)
o Critical: 1,174 (0.7%)

• Top regions by Active Cases:

1 National Capital Region (NCR) 39,314 ↔*
2 Region IV-A: CALABARZON 27,242 ↔
3 Region III: Central Luzon 17,210 ↔
4 Region VI: Western Visayas 7,857 ↔
5 Region I: Ilocos Region 7,804 ↑1
6 Region II: Cagayan Valley 7,738 ↑1
7 Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) 6,919 ↑2
8 Region VII: Central Visayas 6,909 ↔
9 Region X: Davao Region 6,443 ↓3
10 Region VIII: Eastern Visayas 6,031 ↑1
*as compared to previous Situation Report (Sep 13)

• Out of the total 37,405 confirmed deaths, 56% are male, with the most affected age group 60-69
followed by the age group 70-79 years and the age group 50-59 years.

• 25.3% of the total number of deaths reported are from NCR, followed by Central Luzon (13.4%),
CALABARZON (12.4%), Central Visayas (10.5%), Western Visayas (7.2%).

• DOH recorded 25,450 health care workers positive for COVID-19. Of these, 24,988 (98.2%) have
recovered, 105 (0.4%) have died and 357 (1.3%) were active cases. Of these active cases, 200 (56.0%)
were mild cases, 106 (29.7%) were asymptomatic, 21 (5.9%) for both moderate and severe condition,
and 9 (2.5%) in critical condition.

• The pilot implementation of the IATF proposed classification by ‘Alert Levels’ with Granular
Lockdowns will be extended until the next month; as local chief executives have expressed
appreciation and support on this new approach instead of larger community quarantine
classifications.

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Data as of 27 September 2021 can be found in DOH’s BEAT COVID-19 report.
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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Transmission stage assessment

The Philippines remains in Stage 2, localized

community transmission with some
geographic areas showing higher transmission
intensity and indications of widespread
community transmission. There is ongoing
evidence of higher transmission in Region III,
Region IV-A and in NCR which are at Stage 3,
large scale community transmission.

In terms of the overall situation of the

Philippines, there were 124,196 new cases
(113 cases per 100,000 population) reported in
week 38, that is 11% lower than the previous
week (139,297 new cases, 126 cases per
100,000 population).

A lower 7-day positivity rate (number of

individuals that tested positive/number of
individuals tested) was reported for week 38,
23.5% (113,249/481,023), compared to week
37 at 26% (138,880/534,575). There was a
reported increase in the daily number (7-day
average) of COVID-19 dedicated ICU beds
occupied (3,401 beds this week compared to
3,321 beds last week). However. There was a
decrease in the use of COVID-19 dedicated
mechanical ventilators (7-day average) for
week 38 (1,833 ventilators compared to 1,874
ventilators last week) reported.

Data for analysis was extracted on 27 September 2021 from DOH COVID-19 Case Tracker wherein ROFs and records with no regions were
excluded in the analysis. Projected 2021 population (national, n=110,198,654) was used as the denominator.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Epidemiological updates
As of 27 September 2021, a total of 2,490,858 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 37,405 deaths have been
reported in the Philippines. The case fatality ratio is 1.5%.

Epi Update Tests Cases Deaths ICU Occupancy

COVID-19 537,872 119,987 195** 76%
Tests past 7 days Cases past 7 days Deaths past 7 days
4,422
21,053,459 2,490,858 37,596 ICU beds for
Cumulative cases Cumulative deaths COVID-19 cases
Cumulative unique
individuals tested

13.6%
Cumul. Positivity rate

Health service 25,450 1,290 41,744 151,130

provision Healthcare worker cases Hospitals admitting Total hospital beds TTMF beds for
COVID-19 as of 27 September COVID-19 patients for COVID-19 COVID-19 cases (as
(cumulative) patients of 26 September)
200 61%
HCW active cases hospital beds for
COVID-19 occupied
**The 195 additional deaths reflects the 93 reported deaths in DOH Case Bulletin on September 27 and the 102 additional
deaths reported in DOH advisory on September 28.

Strategic approach to COVID-19 Prevention, Detection and Control

Health Service Delivery
• WHO Philippines presented WHO guidance on How to safely care
for a person with COVID-19 infection at home as part of the Ask
an Expert video series and to the Center for Health Development,
National Capital Region.
• WHO also contributed to the Learning Session: Advocating to
Local Chief Executives for the Prioritization of A2 COVID-19
Vaccination and Communicating on Home Care and Referral of
COVID-19 Cases and the Philippine Children's Ministries
Network's virtual session on Safeguarding Workers and Workplace from COVID-19 pandemic.
• WHO joined the ceremonial signing and launch of the pilot run of limited in-person schooling in low-
risk areas. Prolonged school closures have a significant impact on the physical and mental health
development of children, as well as their skills attainment and career prospects. While online
education can guarantee some continuity of academic learning for some children, these services are
no substitute for in-person attendance. WHO applauds the Philippine Government’s decision to
approve the pilot run.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021
• WHO recognized suicide prevention month focusing on
Creating Hope Through Action in partnership with the
Department of Health culminating in an on-line webinar. These
efforts promote suicide-safer communities, as well as the role
of youth and families in suicide prevention – creating suicide
free homes and schools.

Surveillance
• WHO maintains continuous engagement with the DOH Epidemiology Bureau – COVID-19 Surveillance
and Quick Action Unit, on the salient points on the proposed improvement on surveillance data
management and analysis, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) methodology, and other risk
assessment initiatives.
• On 23rd September 2021, WHO Philippines donated an automated extraction machine and relevant
accessories to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC). PGC is currently leading the country’s genomic
surveillance efforts, which have contributed immensely to the monitoring and analysis of circulating
SARS CoV-2 variants and their transmission in the country. This donation, made possible by a grant
from the European Union, is expected to augment PGC’s sequencing capacity to up to 1400 assays
weekly and help enhance the national COVID-19 response.

Contact Tracing Management

• WHO Philippines facilitated and endorsed the DOH - Tanod Kontra COVID (TKC) project proposal to
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) for ‘The Global Fund’ COVID-19 Response Mechanism (TGF-
C19RM) funding allocation for support to telemedicine.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021
Risk Communication and Community Engagement
• WHO initiated coordination work with the Communication Team of the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG). The collaboration ushered additional channels in influencing DILG’s above-
the-line messages and in communicating with Local Government Units (LGUs).
• WHO facilitated the introduction of new partners to DOH to support the A2 campaign: Philippine
Evangelical Churches of the Philippines and World Vision Philippines. Partner commitments include
digital + print collaterals + social mobilization efforts, on-the-ground community social mobilization
efforts (e.g. organize and conduct town halls, house-to-house counselling about COVID-19
vaccination).
• Civil Society Organization (CSO) partner Davao Medical School Foundation concluded its CSO Initiative
project in Davao City. The CSO Initiative developed a COVID-19 action plan, community surveillance
system and vaccine awareness campaigns.
• WHO met with the National Commission of Senior Citizens to update the Commission on the status
of A2 vaccine uptake and identify key actions moving forward.
• Supported the Department of Health (DOH) in conducting an information session for around 500
Health Education and Promotion Officers and Development Management Officers on two priority
issues in the COVID-19 response: (1) prioritization of the COVID-19 vaccination of the elderly, and (2)
messaging around home care and referral of COVID-19 cases.
• WHO developed, along with DOH and UNICEF, an advocacy toolkit for use of regional and local health
officers in face-to-face advocacy with local chief executives in prioritizing the elderly for COVID-19
vaccination.
• As part of continuing engagement with faith-based organizations, WHO participated as one of the
speakers to Philippine Children Ministries’ Network’s 3rd quarter meeting – national prayer gathering
on 23 September 2021. WHO discussed COVID-19 prevention in light of new variants.
• Meeting consultation with the elderly sectoral representatives on A2 vaccine uptake. Participants
included: Seniors sa Panahon ng COVID; Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines;
Senior Citizen Welfare Association of the Philippines; NAPC-National Anti-Poverty Commission Senior
Citizens Sectoral Council/Sectoral Representative; Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE); Bantay
Matanda; Confederation of Older Persons Association of the Philippines, Inc and; Alliance on Gender
and Aging in the Philippines.

Vaccines
• As of 27 September 2021, a total of 44,361,285 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered.
Out of these, 27,353,957 eligible individuals received their 1st dose, and 17,007,328 eligible individuals
received their 2nd dose.
• There were 1,652,928 frontline healthcare workers (A1) fully vaccinated and 149,478 partially
vaccinated. Collectively, these amount to 110% of the original master list.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Vaccination Coverage per region for Priority Group A1 as of 27 September 2021.

• A total of 4,363,907 senior citizens, or 52.9% of the masterlisted eligible A2 population, were fully
vaccinated against COVID-19 and a total of 469,585 senior citizens, or 5.7% of the Priority Group A2
population, were partially vaccinated.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Vaccination Coverage per region for Priority Group A2 as of 27 September 2021.

Operations Support Logistics

• WHO Philippines provided technical assistance to the Department of Health and National Vaccine
Operations Center regarding storage and handling and cold chain management of COVID-19 vaccines.
• The WHO donation of the essential drug dexamethasone to the Department of Health for
management of severe and critical COVID-19 cases was distributed to 28 health facilities across 11
regions.
• An assessment is being conducted for bulk liquid medical grade oxygen importation and local handling
in collaboration with the Department of Health, health facility enhancement program. The
department indicated major oxygen suppliers who have licenses and expertise to handle oxygen
supplies in the Philippines.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Partner Coordination
Updates from USAID
● On September 13, the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, home of USAID’s
Breakthrough ACTION, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, University of Maryland
and Facebook, launched the COVID Behaviors dashboard. The Philippines is one of the featured
countries. This dashboard presents data from a global survey of knowledge, attitudes and
practices around COVID-19.

● Through USAID’s ReachHealth project, the Ako, Tayo, at COVID-19 (Me, We, and COVID-19), the
FamiLigtas campaign (the anti-GBV campaign), and the SiningSkwela (ArtSchool) social media
cards garnered 32,725 in number of people reached in social media during July and August
2021. Since the beginning of these campaigns, 11.2 million people have been reached with
BIDA+ and GBV prevention information and key messages.

Convo series by adolescents for adolescents! Each episode of Young artist Carl shows the progress of his artworks during
the webinar series was hosted and attended by adolescents the SiningSkwela workshop.
from all over the country.

● With the Manila Health Department (MHD) and Cebu City Health Department (CCHD), USAID’s
ReachHealth project turned over US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) donated PPEs for
Sta. Ana Hospital, Delpan Quarantine Facility, Dapitan Quarantine Facility, Tondo Sports
Quarantine Facility, Cebu City Medical Center, St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital, and 7
quarantine and isolation facilities in Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu. The donations worth more
than PHP 5 million, included medical mask/N-88-3-ply, KN95 masks, gloves, level 4 gowns, face
shields, and shoe covers.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Manila Health Department receives the USAID donated PPEs Cebu City Health Department receives PPEs from USAID via
via their health and quarantine facilities their provincial hospitals like Cebu-Provincial Hospital Bogo
City

● In Davao City, USAID’s ReachHealth project facilitated a series of planning and operational
meetings with representatives from the City Health Office (CHO), the CHO’s Operations Center
(OpCen), and staff from Testing, Contact Tracing, Rapid Action, Data Management, and Health
Promotion to discuss the surge caused
by the new Delta variant. The meeting
tackled the review of the referral
system and identified gaps and
solutions to key issues related with
contact tracing, active case finding and
vaccination. Through these TA efforts,
USAID supports the development and
implementation of the framework for
the COVID-19 Cluster Clinics (CCC)
which will decentralize comprehensive
USAID technical assistance resulted in the creation of eight (8)
COVID-19 services, follow-up and COVID-19 Clusters, among the 18 health districts of Davao City, of
information system at the level which were formed via meetings and workshops.
of eight districts in Davao.

● Advance preparations for ramping up of the vaccination rollout by testing a project-facilitated

Mobile Vaccination Initiative, a tie up between USAID ReachHealth, Emergency Rescue Unit
Foundation (ERUF), Center for Health Development, and the Cebu City LGU. Accomplishments
include: developing a home vaccination scheduling system for the Cebu City Vaccine Operations
Center (VOC), Office of the Vice mayor, and Management Information and Computer Services
(MICS); organizing dry runs and testing actual vaccination for bedridden individuals, elderly
people, and their caregivers; as well as providing on-site assistance for ERUF to open a new
vaccination site in Barangay Tisa.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

Home vaccination for bedridden and mobility-challenged Some of the residents were vaccinated at home some were
vaccinated at bedside

Updates from UNICEF

• Over 2 million vaccine doses co-procured by the US Government with COVAX were delivered to the
Philippines on 19 September 2021. This delivery is the first batch of the 10 million doses set to arrive
this month, bringing the total COVAX donations to the Philippines to 15.5 million doses. UNICEF
continues to provide logistics support for COVAX vaccines received by the Philippines.

Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Heather Variava, USAID
Philippines Acting Missions Director Sean Callahan, UNICEF Philippines Chief of Health and Nutrition Malalay Ahmadzai and
WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe received the first tranche of the vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino
International Airport ©WHO Philippines/2021

• UNICEF turned over an Ultra Low Temperature Freezer to the Department of Health (DOH) Central
Luzon to be used for the storage of COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines need to be stored at the right
temperature to maintain their quality as they are distributed across the country. The cold chain
equipment is part of the support provided by COVAX to the Philippines, to support the national
immunization program.

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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021

UNICEF turnover of Ultra Low Temperature Freezer for UNICEF turnover of Ultra Low Temperature Freezer for COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines to the Department of Health vaccines to the Department of Health Central Luzon ©UNICEF
Central Luzon ©UNICEF Philippines/2021 Philippines/2021

• As part of its technical support to sub-national governments, UNICEF, through its implementing
partner Relief International (RI), has started conducting COVID-19 risk communication and
community engagement (RCCE) activities in Region VI (Iloilo and Guimaras), Region IV-A (Laguna and
Quezon), and NCR (Paranaque and Navotas).
Together with DOH local counterparts and
local chief executives, UNICEF and Relief
International have started developing social
listening, data collection, and training
assessment tools and have pre-tested them in
select areas to support social data collection
at the local and community levels.
Community-based awareness-raising activities
like bandillo and airing of COVID-19 public
service announcements through local radio
stations have also started, specifically in
Region VI and NCR. UNICEF and Relief
International also support DOH in cascading
nationwide surveys and other RCCE tools to 15 September 2021, Bandillo vehicle at Barangay San Isidro,
Parañaque City ©Relief International/2021
communities.
• To support COVID-19 RCCE partners and
vaccination implementers, UNICEF developed a practical social listening guide that defines social
listening, highlights its use and importance, offers a step-by-step guide to establishing social
listening mechanisms, and shares some templates to aid social data collection and analysis. The
guide can be used as a go-to reference for anyone engaged in any program or initiative aimed at
helping people and communities adopt healthy behaviors and practices toward development.
• UNICEF supported WHO and DOH in developing advocacy tools urging local chief executives to
prioritize and accelerate the vaccination of the A2 priority group or senior citizens. The tools were
first rolled out with DOH-Health Promotion Bureau in a virtual training session participated in by
over 500 health promotion officers (HEPOs) and COVID-19 vaccination implementers nationwide on
22 September 2021.
• The Communication for Development (C4D) strategy to increase enrollment in the Alternative
Learning System (ALS) and to improve local support for ALS has been piloted in Northern Samar,
Zamboanga Del Norte, and Angeles City. The pilot involves participatory bottom-up approaches that
ensure community mobilization, creating a nexus between the local government unit (LGU) and the
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 Philippines
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report #85
27 September 2021
Data reported by the Department of Health on 27 September 2021
local ALS focal points/Department of Education (DepEd); assigning ownership of the strategy from
DepEd Central Office down to the local levels (DepEd ALS Central Office launched characters as part
of the campaign in their official Facebook pages and now uses them as the official characters to
promote ALS); strengthening the C4D capacity of the DepEd staff and LGU staff; and reaching the
learners and parents to deliver COVID-19 messages, as well as encouraging them to enroll in the ALS
system. To date, the engagement has reached the following:
o 154,374 parents and learners reached on messaging on ALS learning continuity and safe
return to school, incorporating all COVID-19 protocols and messaging on vaccination
o 150 local officials and DepEd staff oriented and mentored on C4D
o 47 ALS implementers and students engaged in participatory video and jingle production

Zamboanga del Norte – COVID-19 information, education Northern Samar ALS Participatory Jingle Creation, with one of
and communication (IEC) materials installed on roadsides the ALS learners recording the public service announcement
©Plan International/2021 ©Plan International/2021

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