The Department of Health (DOH) has advised the public to maintain good health in line with the country’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Wala pa hong nadidiskubre na gamot para sa COVID-19 so kung sino man ang naka-recover, they were only provided in the different facilities that they were admitted ng supportive treatment po para sa kung ano man ang kanilang nararanasan o nararamdaman (There is no cure yet for COVID-19. Whoever recovered were only provided in the different facilities that they were admitted to of supportive treatment for their ailments) during the time that they were admitted,” DOH Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
Vergeire also clarified the reported use of bananas in countering the disease.
“Wala pa hong ebidensya, wala pang masusing pag-aaral para sabihin na (There is no evidence and enough research to show that) bananas will prevent a person from having a COVID-19. Pero ang sinasabi naman ho natin lagi, ang saging naman po ay mabuti sa katawan (But as we always say, bananas are good for the health),” she said.
Based on the latest data of DOH, seven patients have successfully recovered from the disease, including patients 25 and 26 who are both repatriates of the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship.
The health department also reported on Wednesday afternoon additional 15 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases to 202.
Meanwhile, three more patients (PH201, PH57, PH160) were reported on the same day to have died from the disease, bringing the number of deaths to 17.
Patient 160 is the oldest fatality who had septic shock brought by high risk pneumonia and had pre-existing conditions.
The DOH also clarified the circulating issues on the airborne nature of the virus.
“Ito pong artikulong ito (This article), ang tinutukoy nila ay mga settings ng isang ospital (they are referring to the settings of a hospital). Katulad ng lagi nating sinasabi na ang atin pong ebidensya pa rin hanggang sa ngayon (As we always say, the evidence we have as of now is that) ang COVID-19 is still transmitted through droplets infection and close contact,” Vergeire said.
Based on the forecast of the department, there is a possibility that COVID-19 cases in the country may reach 75,000, but can be prevented through social distancing.
The DOH also reminded the public that testing kits are not yet available in markets and sample testing is done at the RITM.
“Yung pong mga nasa market ngayon kung sakaling meron, hindi po yan aprubado ng FDA (Those in the market now are not yet approved by the FDA). So huwag niyo po silang tangkilikin, makinig lang po kayo sa amin (Do not buy them and listen only to us). Lalabas na po yung ating mga clearances for various testing kits in the coming weeks (The clearances for testing kits will be released), we just have to wait and we just need to be informed,” Vergeire said. – Report from Mark Fetalco
