The Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have accepted 700 COVID-19 test kits for 35,000 tests from South Korea amid the Philippines’ move to increase its testing capacity.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the RITM and subnational laboratories in the country have already conducted 72,794 tests. Latest data show 1,101 health workers have acquired the virus, including 434 physicians, 400 nurses, 55 nursing assistants, 32 medical technologists, and 21 radiologic technologists. The number of health workers who succumbed to the disease is now at 26.
Vergeire explained that it can only be concluded that the country’s COVID-19 cases has passed its peak when there is a continuous decline in the daily number of new cases and the rate of recovery continues to rise. As of April 25, COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 7,294, the 792 recoveries and 494 deaths. There are currently 6,008 active cases.
The DOH reiterated the compliance to minimum health standards such as boosting immunity, wearing face masks, proper handwashing, following cough etiquette, and avoiding mass gatherings.
The health department also reminded parents to have their children aged five years and below vaccinated. ##
Report from Mark Fetalco
