Senate begins inquiry on COVID-19 situation

The IATF believes the country has achieved the so-called flattening of the curve.

In the Senate hearing earlier with leaders of the IATF, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the number of COVID-19 cases have started to decline since April with only 220 new daily cases compared to the previous 538 new daily cases.

Duque added they aim to reach 20,000 to 30,000 daily tests before the month ends. Duque also shared there are now five medicines under clinical studies.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. disclosed there are now 35 licensed laboratories nationwide. It is expected to increase to 60 by the end of the month, which means the 1,000 testing capacity per day last March can increase to 20,000 this May.

The IATF also said 240,000 individuals have been tested out of the 110 million population of the country, or an equivalent of 0.2 percent, which is higher than the testing capacity of India and Indonesia.

Regarding the economy, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez confirmed the unpleasant effect of COVID-19 in slowing down economic activities, but assured the government has prepared its economic recovery program.

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