Expert Answers Questions Regarding “Sustained Community Transmissions” In PH
SUSTAINED COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION – The Philippines had seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the past days.
This led to several inquiries made by the Senate regarding the actions of the DOH against COVID-19. As such, the DOH said it would be premature to quarantine any city without “sustained community transmission”.
However, what exactly is this?
Dr. Rontgene Solante, an expert on Adult Infectious disease explained during an interview, the effects of COVID-19 in the Philippines.
According to Solante, to have a “sustained community transmission” there should be “clustering of cases in different parts of the area“. He added that these are cases that you could not ascertain where they are coming from.
Following this, Solante emphasized the importance of contact tracing for those who had direct close contact with Covid-19 positive patients.
Dr. Solante explained that those who are at risk for direct close contact would first be family members. Next, are those who conversed with the patient at least 3 feet away.
Additionally, he stated that this could be people he came in contact with at church or at meetings. Moreover, medical staff that was involved in transport and care for the patient are also considered as direct close contact.
During his interview, he was asked: “Given the pace of this spread of the virus, is it only a matter of time before we reach the level of a sustained community transmission?”.
The Infectious Disease expert answered:
“Yes, that’s what we also want to prevent in this point in time if there’s still a possibility that we can prevent this”.
Following this, the interviewer clarified if it was only a matter of time or if it could be prevented.
Afterward, the Solante emphasized that the “sustained community transmission” could still be prevented. Finally, he said that the focus of prevention would be in the National Capital Region.
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