The Philippines has recorded the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases in one day as 90 new cases were reported on Tuesday afternoon.
From the 462 count on Monday, the number of cases in the country has now climbed to 552.
The number of fatalities also rose to 35 as the deaths of a 71-year-old and a 76-year-old who both have diabetes were reported.
Amid the increase in cases and fatalities, a 21-year-old patient and a 76-year-old patient with hypertension and diabetes have recovered.
Department of Health (DOH) USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire explained retesting is not required for those who tested positive but have already been discharged. However, they must undergo a 14-day home quarantine before being tested anew.
Vergeire said the DOH will not change protocols on who to test even if the country has additional 100,000 testing kits and more laboratories to test specimen. The minimum testing kits needed for one PUI is two.
The health department has reminded hospitals that they are not allowed to reject patients, especially for emergency cases.
There are currently three referral hospitals in Metro Manila and more may be added as a means to prepare for the possible rise of COVID-19 cases.
The DOH is aware that some healthcare workers are facing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and assured that their needs especially PPEs have been continuously addressed.
The agency has also advised the public not to turn their backs on health frontliners following reports of discrimination against them.
Meanwhile, as the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated in different countries, it commended the measures being taken by the Philippines to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“The first 100,000 cases took 67 days… but we recognize that we can still do a lot to slow down the outbreak and buy time so that we can increase the preparedness and readiness of the healthcare system and improve the patient management system. For that, we congratulate the DOH for the enhanced community quarantine,” WHO Country Rep. Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said.
The WHO representative added ECQ is not enough and must be accompanied by the
strict compliance of everyone on social distancing.
The health organization added DIY PPEs and face masks amid the shortage of equipment is not recommended but is better than none. – Report from Mark Fetalco
