Several heads of government agencies have welcomed the arrival of the medical team from China on Sunday.
The team, consisting of 10 medical experts and 2 Chinese officials, has arrived in the Philippines past 1 p.m. via Xiamen Air.
According to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque, the first-hand experience of the medical team in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in their country will be a big help since they can impart their knowledge not only in the treatment of COVID-19 but also in clinical case management and contact tracing.
The medical team will stay in the country for 15 days and is scheduled to visit several hospitals. They will also share their knowledge in infection prevention and control measures.
“It’s purely advisory. It’s really guiding us how to improve, level up our COVID-19 response at a different level.” DOH Sec. Duque added.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. stated that there are other countries offering help to the Philippines for the elimination of COVID-19.
“We will accept foreign help. Japan has offered, Australia, South Korea.”
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar expressed his gratitude for the support the country is receiving amid the COVID-19 crisis.
So far, the Philippines has received thousands of donations such as surgical masks, N-95 masks, medical protective suits, medical face shields, and 30 non-invasive ventilators. – Report by Sandra Samala
