The Department of Health (DOH) is now studying the possibility of COVID-19 reinfection after a patient in Hong Kong reportedly got infected twice by different strains of the virus.
The DOH explained that there is still insufficient evidence to conclude that reinfection may happen to COVID-19 patients who have recovered. Although some patients have already been treated, the DOH advises them to be cautious and observe minimum health standards.
“Wala po talagang immunity passport. ‘Yan po ay ebidensya talaga at nabigyan po ng announcement ng mga international organizations at WHO (There is really no immunity passport. This has been announced by some international organizations and the WHO),” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire stated.
“Iyong antibodies that we developed when we become COVID-19 positive, it doesn’t last long dito po sa katawan natin (it does not last long in our bodies) … [Ang] possibility na magkaroon tayo ulit ay nandyan lagi (The possibility of acquiring it again is always there),” Vergeire pointed out.
Meanwhile, DOH data show a high percentage of COVID-19 deaths among those aged 40 to 80 years old and above. As of July 31, 28.52 percent of COVID-19 fatalities belong to the age range of 60 to 69 years-old. It did not significantly change in the August 25 data of 28.01 percent.
The DOH reminded anew the importance of the role of individuals and small communities in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of August 26, the COVID-19 cases in the country breached the 200,000 mark at 202,361 after 5,277 new cases were reported. Recoveries increased to 133,460 while the death toll rose to 3,137. – Report from Sandra Samala
