More than a month after the enhanced community quarantine was implemented, an expert disclosed the COVID-19 curve has been flattening.
“We are already seeing that about 10 to 14 days ago, the curve has already flattened. If there have been no significant changes we would expect that the flattening will continue, meaning, we will have few additional cases,” Dr. John Wong of Epimetrics Inc. elucidated.
Wong also explained that case doubling time in all geographical units have slowed down to four to five days while the mortality doubling in several geographic units have breached the seven-day line. Although it is a good indication to lower the ECQ to GCQ after May 15, Wong advised to avoid being complacent.
“Until we have a vaccine, we should see surges, up and down movements of the epidemic curve. Although we see some flattening or improvement now, if and when we relax the ECQ, we should be vigilant about resurgence,” Wong cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reiterated the importance of the healthcare system to conclude that the curve has flattened.
The DOH said the limitations of the government must also be considered, and assured the 8,000 tests backlog of laboratories will not affect the case doubling time. ##
Report from Mark Fetalco
