Manila, May 18 -- The Department of Health (DOH) assured there is "no cause for alarm" despite the reported surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in some Southeast Asian countries.

"We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Nations). This gives us verified information, boosting readiness even as we see no cause for alarm," it said in a statement on Saturday.

Hong Kong and Singapore earlier noted a surge in Covid-19 cases.

In Singapore, the latest data showed that the estimated number of Covid-19 cases in the week ending May 3 increased to 14,000 from 11,100 in the previous week.

Its Ministry of Health said there is no indication that the variants circulating are ...