March 29, 2024

An infectious diseases expert is not discounting the possible rise in the number of Covid-19 infections after the election week.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, Vaccine Experts Panel member, said there had been super spreader events prior to the election day such as political sorties where minimum public health standards were violated.

“We have seen patients with mild symptoms, and they’re positive, so it means they got it either at the precinct or before they voted, so those are the possible scenarios,” he added.

Earlier, Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said 31 voters nationwide were sent home on election day to self-isolate due to Covid-19-related symptoms.

Health experts say the country has high protection against the BA2 Omicron variant from the Covid-19 vaccines available in the country.

I hope the case surge won’t be that high. We will be concerned if the BA4 and BA5 sub-variants enter the country,” Solante said.

The incubation period of the virus from exposure to the first symptoms usually averages three to five days, he said.

“So, for example, if everyone has high exposure on May 9, let’s count seven days or five to seven days, it will reflect,” he added. – PNA