The Department of Health (DOH) assured that it is prepared for the possible rise in Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases during the holiday season.
According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, mechanisms have been prepared to avoid full capacity of the healthcare system in the country due to the possible surge. The matter has been discussed last week with various stakeholders and the Healthcare Professional Alliance against COVID-19. Hospitals, and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities are also being prepared.
The health department also coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) but reiterated that it is not only the national or local government that needs to prepare, the public must cooperate as well. Minimum public health standards must still be followed to avoid the surge of cases and overwhelming of the health care system.
Meanwhile, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Dr. Nina Gloriani disclosed that around 11 pharmaceutical companies are now conducting their respective Phase 3 clinical trial for the COVID-19 vaccine. Five of them have applied to conduct the trial in the Philippines.
Report from Mark Fetalco
