The DOH has added subgroups G, H, I J to be included in the expanded testing. Subgroup G includes those living in areas with clustering of cases, Subgroup H covers frontline workers in tourist zones, Subgroup I are workers of manufacturing companies and public service providers, while subgroup J includes economy workers.
“Gusto natin kapag slowly binubuksan natin ang ekonomiya, mayroong safeguard ang mga empleyado at mga businesses (We want safeguards for employees and businesses as we slowly open the economy),” Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
Duque explains curve flattening statement (subhead)
Hours after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III claimed “we have successfully flattened the curve since April,” he clarified on Twitter that “our case doubling time in April passed the 3 day doubling time mark. NOW, July 15 – it is at 8 days CDT (past the 7-day doubling time mark). This means we bent the curve in April after the March ECQ but we are seeing an increase in cases due to the expanded testing capacity and community transmission as we allow movement of people.”
Based on the latest data, the case doubling time in the country is at 8.18 days while the reproductive number is at 1.23. For the month of July, the average of daily reported new cases is at 1,571.
Meanwhile, the DOH said the DILG will undertake the monitoring of COVID-19 patients who are under home quarantine.
“Masyado lang inexaggerate. Talaga namang search pa ‘yung nilagay sa term pero ito naman talaga dati pang ipinapatupad ito ng ating DILG through their local governments, local officials, barangay health emergency response teams. May authority sila na magmonitor nitong mga ganitong pangyayari sa kanilang mga lugar (It was just exaggerated. The term ‘search’ was even used but this has been implemented ever since by the DILG through local governments, officials, and health emergency response teams.They have the authority to monitor such events in their respective areas),” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire pointed out.
The DOH said there are COVID-19 patients who choose to undergo home quarantine but fail to follow proper guidelines. Barangay health emergency response teams are assigned to monitor them and will coordinate with local officials for the transfer.
As of July 15, there are 58,850 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 20,976 recoveries, and 1,614 deaths nationwide.
– Report from Mark Fetalco
