The Department of Health on Thursday dismissed circulating posts on social media claiming there is a new wave of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.

In an advisory, the Health department tagged the circulating posts attributed to Dr. Ruth Divinagracia of St. Luke's Medical Center as "fake news."

"It is important to note that the message is unverified and the doctor and hospital are not involved," it said.

"There is no credible evidence or official announcement from health authorities supporting the assertion of a surge in COVID-19 cases at the mentioned hospital," it added.

According to the Health Department, from November to December 2023, the percentage of occupied ICU beds for COVID-19 cases remained low at only 16 percent at its highest, averaging at 12 percent.

During the same period, the number of occupied non-ICU beds for COVID-19 cases was also low at 19 percent at its highest, averaging at 17 percent.

"Our data also shows a consistently low percentage of severe and critical cases among hospital admissions, currently at 11 percent," it said.

"Our data shows the continuous low transmission and mild presentation of COVID-19 locally," it added.

The department attributed the low transmission of COVID-19 to the public's adherence to the minimum public health protocols.

"This is due to Filipinos choosing healthy behaviors and heeding the call for multiple layers of protection: using face masks when needed, and going to well-ventilated areas, staying at home when ill. We also have high vaccination coverage," it said.

"Critical cases are minimized, because eight out of every ten eligible senior citizens are protected by a primary series," it added.

The department said the average number of new cases per day for the week of December 26, 2023 to January 1, 2024, is down by 10 percent compared to cases from December 19 to 25. Of the new cases, only around 1 percent were serious or critically ill.

The DOH urges the public to rely on information from reputable sources such as the agency and other official health organizations.

"Misinformation can contribute to unnecessary panic and fear," it said. "Furthermore, the DOH states that criminal charges may be pressed if related post/s shall persist."