Do We Need To Be Worried About The New Coronavirus Cases In The Philippines?
CORONAVIRUS IN PHILIPPINES – The Philippines had reported its first cases of local COVID-19 transmissions, but should we be worried?
There is indeed a short answer to that question â we shouldn’t (for now).
As soon as COVID-19 started, experts in the field of virology and epidemiology had expressed how much of a threat the virus could become. However, most countries lacked the initiative to impose precautionary measures against the virus.
Back on January 24, 2020, there were 25 deaths caused by COVID-19 along with 800 confirmed cases. In just a span of 45 days, that number spiked exponentially.
Now, there are over 105,970 cases of the new coronavirus and over 3,827 deaths. But, at the same time, there have been over 62,240 reported recoveries.
That’s a recovery rate of over 58.73%. Along with this, most of the fatalities were elderly and had pre-existing health issues. But, this doesn’t mean we should be lax on proper and basic hygiene.
Although, in the Philippines, the concern is how good our health care could be. According to Allianzcare, medical professionals in the Philippines are highly proficient.
However, public healthcare in the Philippines does face limitations. Despite having achieved universal healthcare, the Philippines still struggles with unequal access to medical care.
The standard of public healthcare in the country vastly varies from excellent in most urban centers to poor in rural areas. Additionally, understaffing is also apparent due to the trend of Filipino medical staff migrating to Western countries.
PHILIPPINES VS COVID-19
Meanwhile, the Philippine government had begun preparations to prevent a community-wide spread of COVID-19. In lieu of the new coronavirus cases, Code Red Level 2 had been imposed.
With this in play, areas with confirmed local transmissions will be quarantined. As such, policemen and soldiers would aid in imposing the quarantine.
In addition, classes and work would be suspended. Moreover, unaffected regions would be required to send aid.
Testings For COVID-19
Currently, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City is the only facility that tests samples for COVID-19.
As a result, the government had eyed the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Health in Manila as the second testing center.
Subsequently, other potential testing hubs are:
- Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City
- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City
- Baguio General Hospital and the Lung Center of the Philippines
Health Secretary Francisco Duque advised the public to refrain from wearing masks if they are not sick. He stated:
Ibigay po natin ang mga face masks sa ating health workers dahil sila po talaga ang unang mangangailangan nito dahil sila ang frontliners sa pangangalaga ng mga may sakit
Finally, Duque told the public to wash hands frequently and refrain from touching their mouth, eyes, and nose.
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