The Department of Health (DOH) reported an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases at 271 on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 6, 981.
Latest data from the DOH show the death toll is now at 462 as 16 more patients have died from the disease while recoveries have risen to 722 through the reported recovery of 29 patients.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said there is an indication of curve flattening based on the current data but it is not yet conclusive. She added the case-doubling time has improved while the doubling time on the number of deaths is between three to seven days.
Vergeire advised the public not to be complacent on the slow increase in the number of cases and explained the fewer count on Wednesday, considering the 130 cases reported in Cebu City. “Ibat iba po ang pinanggagalingan…minsan naaantala ang reporting ng bilang ng ating mga kaso (There are different sources. Sometimes, the reporting of new cases get delayed),” she clarified.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth assured it has enough funds to address the needs of the citizens on COVID-19. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also approved funds for the emergency hiring of 857 health workers. The DOH has allocated the amount to three COVID-19 referral hospitals in the NCR.
The DOH disclosed around 15,000 healthcare workers are needed to be hired to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The agency has already realigned Php 7.9 million to the RITM for the salary and benefits of its 22 health workers. There are seven health facilities requesting for additional personnel under the emergency hiring policy of the DOH. – Report from Mark Fetalco
