President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally lifted the state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang announced on Saturday.
Marcos issued Proclamation 297 on Friday, lifting the nationwide declaration of a public health emergency due to COVID-19, Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.
“All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that were effective solely during the State of Public Health Emergency are now deemed withdrawn, revoked, or canceled and will no longer be in effect,” according to the proclamation.
Furthermore, the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Executive Order (EO) No. 121 (s. 2020) will remain valid for a period of one year from the date of lifting the State of Public Health Emergency, allowing the continued use of existing vaccine supplies.
The President’s order also calls on all government agencies to adjust their policies, rules, and regulations in consideration of the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency, and to introduce new measures as needed.
The proclamation acknowledges that while COVID-19 remains a serious concern, the country’s healthcare system has demonstrated sufficient capacity to handle the situation, with low hospital bed utilization rates even after easing COVID-19 health protocols.
The decision comes in the wake of positive trends in COVID-19 cases and a decreasing number of deaths and hospitalizations. In May of this year, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) observed a declining trend in COVID-19-related metrics and a notable level of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
Taking into account the committee’s advice, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed that COVID-19 is now considered an established and ongoing health issue, no longer warranting the status of a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO advised countries to adopt long-term management strategies to address the pandemic.
While the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency indicates a step towards normalcy, health authorities will need to continue monitoring the situation and take necessary actions to safeguard public health.
As the Philippines transitions into a new phase of pandemic management, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and continue following public health guidelines to prevent any potential resurgence of the virus. I via Sol Luzano
