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

In an advisory, the DoH tagged the circulating posts falsely attributed to one 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," the DoH 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 said that from November to December 2023, the percentage of occupied ICU (intensive care unit) beds for Covid-19 cases remained low at only 16 percent at its highest, averaging out 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 out 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 also shows the continuous low transmission and mild presentation of Covid-19 locally."

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

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

Further, the DoH said critical cases are minimized because eight of every 10 eligible senior citizens are protected by a primary series of vaccines.

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

The DoH urged the public to rely on information from reputable sources such as the department and other official health organizations.

"Misinformation can contribute to unnecessary panic and fear," it said. "Furthermore, the DoH warns that criminal charges may be pressed if related posts persist."

Jom Garner @tribunephl_jom