AMID observations that the country is already flattening the curve of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Health on Wednesday reported 320 new infections, bringing the total to 10,004 cases.
There were also 21 new fatalities, raising the total to 658, while the number of patients who have recovered rose to 1,506 with the addition of 98 recoveries as of Wednesday.
The disease that first emerged in China in late December has spread to 215 countries and territories, infected at least 3.5 million individuals, and killed some 243,500 persons, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Philippines ranks fifth among countries in the Western Pacific Region with with the most COVID-19 cases after China, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded parents to be vigilant for possible COVID-19 symptoms among their children. Health authorities largely consider the elderly as among those at high risk for COVID-19.
Based on DOH data, there are 197 cases (2%) of COVID-19 among children aged 0-9 years old, including 4 deaths (0.7%).
Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, said most of the pediatric COVID-19 cases manifest mild symptoms like mild cough, slight fever, sore throat, and diarrhea.
“Based on these, we can say that it is really difficult to differentiate COVID-19 from other usual illnesses of children,” said Ong-Lim.
AVIGAN TRIALS
Vergeire said 100 patients will be participating in the forthcoming clinical trial of anti-influenza drug Avigan.
She said the DOH is coordinating with participating local medical facilities for the selection of 100 volunteer COVID-19 patients.
“The protocol is still being drafted. But what I can tell you is that the Japanese government is providing us with a supply of this drug for 100 patients,” she said.
She said the Japanese government has approved the participation of the Philippines in the clinical trial for Avigan.
Japan has started using the anti-influenza drug to treat COVID-19 patients in that country.
Earlier, the WHO said there are six candidate vaccines currently undergoing research and development by different pharmaceutical firms.
FILIPINOS OVERSEAS
The Department of Foreign Affairs said 38 more Filipinos in 46 countries were infected with COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,905 while another Filipino has also died of the virus (total 215).
There were 10 new recoveries.
Of the 1,905 infected Filipinos, 1,167 are undergoing treatment while 523 have
recovered.
The Americas had the highest number of deaths for infected Filipinos at 121, followed by Europe at 73, the Middle East and Africa at 19, and Asia and
the Pacific region at 2.
In the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn Quintana hailed the host country’s response to the COVID-19 crisis in extending humanitarian assistance and health benefits to everyone regardless of nationality and status.
Interviewed by the hosts of “Laging Handa” public briefing, Quintana reported that Filipinos who found jobs there have been allowed to go back to work starting two weeks ago.
Quintana also said based on figures provided by the UAE government, there were 21 Filipinos who died from COVID-related ailments including 17 from Dubai and four from Abu Dhabi. She did not say how many tested positive for the novel coronavirus and whether there are others getting treated.
She, however, said the foreign government is taking care of all people whether residents, migrants or hired workers from other countries.
Latest data from the UAE government showed it has recorded 14,730 COVID-19 cases with 2,966 recoveries and 137 deaths.
Quintana said Filipinos working in the UAE remain in high spirits despite having to live through restrictions in movements and activities while the country was in lockdown for two weeks starting April 5.
“Our countrymen are grateful after having first-hand experience of how this country took care of them during a crisis. Help was extended to everyone …no discrimination regardless if a person is a citizen, a non-resident or expatriates like us,” she said. “Everybody was treated evenly, those in need of hospitalization received top notch medical care.”
The government also made sure those who were restricted from leaving their homes received assistance by way of food and other supplies.
She appealed to all Filipinos in UAE to continue complying with health protocols even if things are steadily getting back to normal.
“Two weeks ago, the government here started to ease up on community restrictions. The malls were opened even if only at 30 percent. Even for us here in the embassy, 70 percent of our staff are still on work-from-home status. We want to remind our countrymen to continue to take care of themselves and not be complacent,” Quintana said. — With Peter Tabingo
