PhilHealth assures enough

funds for PH COVID-19

response
By CNN Philippines Staff
Published Mar 12, 2020 12:50:15 PM

(FILE PHOTO)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12)— The Philippine Health

Insurance Corporation on Thursday assured it is ready to shoulder
local hospitals’ testing and other medical costs associated with the
coronavirus disease.

Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source, PhilHealth President and

Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Morales said the agency has enough
funds to cover the government’s drive against the viral disease—
including rolling out health packages for quarantined and coronavirus-
positive patients.

“Yes, right now, PhilHealth is liquid. We are ready to cover the cost of
this testing at the present rate and even 'pag nag-expand pa ito (even
if this expands), (it is) ready,” Morales said.

“Siyempre kapag epidemic na ito, siguro (if this escalates to an

epidemic, perhaps) we're going to review then our regime to see if we
can extend our resources. But at present, that's not a concern.
PhilHealth is liquid enough,” he added.

PhilHealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales:

We already advised hospitals not to turn away
patients seeking medical attention if they have
been exposed to COVID-
19. #TheSource https://t.co/sDo55hwVGt pic
.twitter.com/Ox8Bk7j6Yb

— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) March

12, 2020
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier revealed that suspected
COVID patients won’t need to worry about paying for tests, as the
state health insurer is ready to assist.

A coronavirus test kit costs around ₱8,000. A patient will have to

undergo tests at least three times. Aside from the confirmatory test, a
COVID-19 patient must be tested twice before being discharged from
the hospital.

A cheaper test kit developed by scientists from the University of the

Philippines has recently been approved by the Food and Drug
Administration. However, the rapid test kits, which cost over ₱1,000
have yet to be rolled out in local hospitals pending clearance and
approval from the World Health Organization.
READ: Limited test kits led to possible ‘underreporting’ of
coronavirus cases in PH – DOH

Apart from the testing fee, PhilHealth said Filipinos can also avail of a
₱14,000 health package should they get quarantined for the disease.
The amount will provide ₱1,000 for each day of the isolation.

Meanwhile, coronavirus-positive patients can also seek a beneficiary

package of up to ₱32,000— the amount usually provided for severe
pneumonia cases.

The COVID-19, now considered by the WHO as a pandemic, has

infected more than 126,000 people in 114 different countries including
China, the epicenter of the disease’s outbreak. More than 4,600
persons were killed by the disease as of Thursday, according to the
Johns Hopkins University's global tracker.

The Philippines has meanwhile recorded 49 confirmed cases, with

several government officials going on self-quarantine amid the
disease’s outbreak.

WHO supports the Philippine government in COVID-19 response

13 February 2020

On 31 December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause was first reported from Wuhan,
China. It was later established to be a new coronavirus. The disease, now named as coronavirus disease
(COVID-19), has been confirmed in 24 countries outside of China including the Philippines. The World
Health Organization (WHO) has been working with governments to build preparedness and response
capacities in countries to contain the outbreak and prepare for possible community transmission.

In the Western Pacific Region, these efforts are coordinated by Regional Director Dr Takeshi Kasai and
are aligned to the principles contained in the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED). In the
Philippines, WHO has been working with the Department of Health and other national stakeholders and
partners to increase its preparedness to address COVID-19, including the possibility of wider
transmission.

Providing technical support and essential supplies

WHO recently mobilized its global stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) to support priority
countries in their preparedness efforts. Initial stocks were handed over today to the Department of
Health for the use of health workers. The PPEs comprised of masks, examination gloves, respirators,
isolation gowns and other equipment that will help protect frontline health workers as they diagnose
and treat patients.

IMG_5216

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (right) and WHO Representative Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe (left)
during the handover of the personal protective equipment for the use of health workers. Photo: WHO/F.
Tanggol

Strengthening laboratory capacities

WHO supported the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) to enable performing of diagnostic
testing for COVID-19 in country through the delivery of reagents and chemicals. RITM can now release
confirmatory results within 24-48 hours of receiving samples. Prior to this, samples were being sent to a
reference laboratory in Australia. Last year, WHO provided polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment
to RITM so they can run different tests not only for COVID-19 but other infectious diseases such as HIV,
polio, influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections.

IMG_6226

File photo of a laboratory worker at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Photo: WHO/F.
Tanggol

Sharing technical expertise

WHO provided technical guidance on surveillance, patient management, laboratory, infection

prevention and control, country preparedness, among others, to the DOH and supported the localization
of these guidelines. WHO is also coordinating a global group of experts to share case information, data
analysis and research to have a better understanding of COVID-19.

IMG_5264

At the Department of Health’s Emergency Operations Center for COVID-19. Photo: WHO/F. Tanggol

Communicating the risks

With the leadership of the Department of Health, WHO is supporting them on planning and messaging
to communicate the risks and engage the public on COVID-19. A variety of materials has been released
including advice for the public on protective measures and the proper use of mask. WHO has also been
at the side of DOH in briefing the media on the latest updates and technical advice on COVID-19 in the
Philippines.

MANILA, 13 March 2020 – Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration placing Metro Manila
under lockdown from 15 March 2020 to 14 April 2020, UNICEF Philippines remains steadfast in working
with the Philippine Government and partners to stop the transmission of the virus and to keep children
and their families safe.

UNICEF Philippines has been fully supporting the Government’s emergency response as early as the first
few cases of COVID-19 were identified in the country. Just recently, we provided tents to the
Department of Health (DOH) to support the management of COVID-19 cases requiring hospital care.

DOH is further strengthening its capacity in hospital preparedness, rapid response, risk communication,
and information dissemination with full support from UNICEF Philippines.

UNICEF is working with DOH to take appropriate measures for the continuous delivery of other essential
public health services including access to water, sanitation and hygiene, mental health and psychosocial
support, and nutrition.

“We are intent on staying on the ground working to mitigate impact on children and their families
including pushing back against stigma associated with vulnerable groups,” said Wigdan Madani,
UNICEF’s Chief of Health & Nutrition, “and we remain concerned by related control measures including
school closures, the burden on local health systems for the delivery of primary care, protection risks,
and economic pressures felt by families.”

With the suspension of classes in all levels within Metro Manila and in selected LGUs until 12 April 2020,
UNICEF Philippines encourages schools to plan continuity for learning. We urge communities, caregivers,
and parents to stay informed about COVID-19 through trusted sources like the DOH, local government
units, WHO, and UNICEF to recognize symptoms, coordinate with schools to support safety efforts, and
help children cope with the stress caused by the current situation.

Characterizing COVID-19 as a pandemic is not an indication that the virus has become deadlier. Rather, it
is an acknowledgement of the disease’s geographical spread. Let’s continue to prepare and respond to
the epidemic to protect children and families in the Philippines.

EXPLAINER: What is the Philippine government's code alert system for COVID-19?

Published March 8, 2020 2:14pm

By JOVILAND RITA, GMA News

The risk of entry and transmission of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) inside the country has
prompted the government to activate certain measures to protect the public.

advertisement

The Presidential Communications Operations Office released infographics with information sourced
from the Department of Health (DOH) showing the different alert levels and what they mean in terms of
response to the COVID-19 threat.

The DOH on Saturday raised the Code Red Sublevel 1 Alert after confirming a new case of novel
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to six.

President Rodrigo Duterte has thereafter agreed to issue a declaration of a public health emergency in
the Philippines.

Alert Level 1: White

With an identified case of infection outside the country, authorities shall raise Alert Level 1 with the
White Code Alert.

Under the White Code Alert response, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and embassies should
start coordinating.

The monitoring of confirmed cases abroad, surveillance at the points of entry, as well as the
enforcement of Health Declaration Checklist are expected to be strengthened.

Authorities should already prepare essential medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE). They
should also review or update their protocols from previous experiences.

A technical working group should start discussion.

Alert Levels 2 and 3: Blue

When an imported case of COVID-19 infection is reported inside the country, Alert Level 2 will be raised.

Meanwhile, a World Health Organization’s declaration of Public Health Emergency of International

Concern triggers Alert Level 3.

Under both alert levels, authorities are expected to exhibit a Code Blue Alert response which includes
the activation of an inter-agency task force on emerging infectious disease.

Concerned agencies should monitor the flights in affected countries and enforce the health declaration
checklist.

The government shall establish guidelines for the surveillance of COVID-19. The testing setup for the
virus should also be established.

Health facilities should be ready to attend to patients.

Code Blue Alert also includes completing the inventory, procurement, prepositioning and augmentation
of PPEs, supplies, and other needed equipment.

Travel restrictions, home quarantine, and isolation of patients should be imposed. Authorities should
also advise the public to avoid crowded gatherings.

Alert Level 4: Red

When a local transmission is reported, Alert Level 4 is raised with a corresponding response of Code Red
Alert. The Alert Level 4 could peak into a sustained human to human transmission and further spread.

Under the Code Red Alert, the inter-agency should include more government agencies to expand its
response to the spread of the viral infection.
Selective contact tracing will be done. Vulnerable and high-risk groups will be the priority for testing and
care.

Authorities should intensify its awareness to minimize the fear, anxiety, and unrest of the public.

The government should pursue a “sustained inter-agency, multi-level, whole-of-society coordination and
response“ in its combat against the virus.

Code Alert System for COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the

Philippines
 

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of

coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in
Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

On 30 January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of
COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. On 7 March, the
first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. WHO is working closely with the
Department of Health in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak

Coronavirus in Philippines: The COVID-19 risk, impact and measures

By Praveen Duddu

SHARE

Philippines, one of the high-risk countries from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, recorded the first
death outside China. The government has announced lock-down of Metro Manila and is mulling over
more localised lock-downs as the nCoV cases increase gradually and the WHO declaring coronavirus as a
pandemic.

When did coronavirus reach the Philippines?

The first case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV, now COVID-19) in the Philippines was confirmed on 30
January 2020, in a 38-year old woman who arrived from Wuhan. Two days later, the Philippines
recorded the first death outside China on 01 February 2020.

The Philippines government declared a health emergency on 09 March, following a spike in new
confirmed cases and local transmission. The move will release funds to local governments and
healthcare officials to handle any further surge in cases.

The COVID-19 Code Alert system was revised upwards to Red Sublevel 2 on 12 March.

Coronavirus: Philippines COVID-19 cases and deaths

As of 14 March, the total COVID-19 cases in the Philippines stand at 111. One of the coronavirus-
confirmed on 06 March was confirmed to be a human-to-human transmission putting the nation on a
high alert. The man attended prayer in late February, which increases the concerns of possible
transmission to other devotees who attended the same.

The 44-year old Chinese national, who died, was the relative of the first patient diagnosed with COVID-
19. The patient developed severe pneumonia.

Coronavirus-affected Filipinos on Diamond Princess cruise ship

Seven passengers onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship and more than half of the crew are from
the Philippines, among who 80 have been confirmed to have contracted the virus.

The Philippines government repatriated 445 of its citizens onboard the ship including ten recovered
cases on 25 February. The evacuees have been placed under a two-week quarantine at New Clark City in
Capas.

A total of 70 confirmed cases were not allowed to board the evacuation flight.
How risky is coronavirus to the Philippines?

Due to its proximity to China, the Philippines is at a far greater risk of witnessing increased cases of the
novel coronavirus infection compared to other countries.

The Philippines is also home to hundreds of workers from China working in the Philippine Offshore
Gambling Operation (firms offering online gambling services). More than 230,000 migrant Filippinos
often referred to as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are also working in China particularly Hong Kong
and Macau as household workers.

A temporary ban was imposed on the workers from travelling to China or its special administrative
regions after the coronavirus outbreak on 2 February. The ban was lifted on 18th February allowing
OFWs to return to Hong Kong and Macau.

Manila is among the top 30 global cities receiving airline passengers from 18 high-risk cities in China,
according to WorldPop which ranked Philippines 14th among the 30 high-risk countries.

Chinese nationals account for the majority of the tourist population visiting the country as trade and
cultural relations have increased between the two countries in the recent past.

Lock-down of affected areas

The Philippines government started announcing local lock-downs (home quarantine) following the
increase in global coronavirus cases. Metro Manila lock-down was announced on 12 March and will
continue until 14 April, while similar quarantine measures are expected in Bohol and Cainta provinces.
Davao City has imposed travel restrictions.

Quarantining (lock-down) will be imposed in the Philippines barangays, municipalities/cities and

provinces if at least two COVID-19 coronavirus cases are recorded in two different households in the
respective locations.

Quezon city declared a state of calamity due to coronavirus on 13 March, which means that the city can
access Quick Response Fund to combat the outbreak.

What Metro Manila lock-down means for residents and visitors

During the lock-down, domestic transportation of all modes including land, air, and sea are suspended.
Preventive measures by the Philippines government

The Philippines government is taking several steps to control the spread of the virus, including travel
restrictions, closure of schools and colleges, as well as training schools of the Philippines National Police.

Educational institutes in the country are announced to be closed from 09 March to 15 March, whereas
in Metro Manila the classes will be suspended until 12 April.

Stringent social distancing measures will be in place in the National Capital Region (NCR) for 30 days
from 15 March.

The government announced earlier on 2 February 2020 that all persons except Filipino citizens and
permanent resident visa holders were temporarily barred from entering the country.

A temporary ban on Filipinos from travelling to China or its special administrative region was also
imposed. A mandatory 14-day quarantine for Filipinos returning to from China or its special
administrative region was announced.

Further, visa upon arrival for Chinese nationals has been temporarily suspended.

Travel ban to South Korea

The Philippines government issued a temporary ban on 26 February on all citizens from travelling to
South Korea, as the country reported a spike in the number of confirmed cases.

Further, people from the affected regions of South Korea including Gyeongbuk, Daegu and Cheongdo
have been banned from entering into the country.

Coronavirus in the Philippines: Measures at airports

The Philippines Government announced travel restrictions to and from China, Hong Kong, and Macau to
minimise the spread. It also banned the entry of passengers from the three countries.

Airlines cancelled flights from the Philippines to China resulting in stranding.

Face masks shortage – importing from India and Thailand

The Philippines witnessed a surge in demand for face masks as fears over the coronavirus infection
increased, despite assurance from the government that there is no need to wear face masks yet.

The government reiterated that healthcare workers and patients with symptoms of the disease should
be given priority for masks.

The Philippines International Trading Corporation (PITC), meanwhile, identified two face mask suppliers
from India and Thailand to meet the demand for face masks.

The suppliers are expected to take more than 30 days to supply the masks. The India-based supplier is
expected to supply one million units, while the exact number of face masks that the Thailand-based
supplier can supply is yet to be determined.

The masks will be imported either by the DoH or the PITC.

Duterte Puts 12 Million People on Lockdown, Shuts Government

We’re tracking the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and the global response. Sign up here for our daily
newsletter on what you need to know.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he would place some 12 million people in the Manila area on lockdown
and largely suspend government work for a month in an effort to stop the coronavirus from spreading.

The president on Thursday said he was suspending domestic travel to and from the Metro Manila region
from March 15 to April 14, and restricting entry of travelers from countries that had seen local
transmissions of the deadly virus, which is spreading across the U.S. and Europe.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, in a televised briefing Friday, said a 60-day price freeze on basic goods is
in effect in the capital area to prevent a sharp rise in prices. He assured that the delivery of food and
basic supplies to Manila would remain unimpeded.
Duterte’s order, which leaked on social media hours before the announcement, triggered panic buying
and sent people rushing to bus stations as they anticipated the restriction in movement.

“We don’t want to use that, afraid to say lockdown, but it is a lockdown,” Duterte said in a televised
briefing Thursday. After his speech, the Department of Health announced that three more people in the
Philippines had died of the virus, beinging the death toll to five out of 52 confirmed cases in the
Southeast Asian nation.

2020-wuhan-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-inline

Duterte encouraged private companies to adopt flexible work arrangements, and lifted the ban on
overseas Filipino workers traveling to mainland China -- except Hubei province, the virus’s epicenter.

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the lockdown’s impact on economic growth would be
“minimal and ephemeral.”

The Department of Agriculture is working with local governments to ensure availability of food in Metro
Manila, Secretary William Dar told reporters. He said the country’s inventory of rice, a staple food, was
good for 80 days.

Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp. in Manila, said consumers must be assured
that the regular supply of goods would remain intact and prices stable, in which case “we can expect a
smaller net effect” on the economy.

Philippine president orders coronavirus lockdown of Manila

A government worker disinfects a high school in Manila

A government worker disinfects a high school in Manila on Mar 9, 2020. (Photo: AFP/Maria Tan)

12 Mar 2020 09:48PM

(Updated: 13 Mar 2020 10:49AM)

Bookmark

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced plans on Thursday (Mar 12) for a sweeping
lockdown of the capital's 12 million people, including a halt to domestic travel, in a bid to contain the
deadly new coronavirus.

Though the nation has detected a fraction of the cases seen in hotspots such as China and Italy, officials
hope to arrest the spread before it takes firm root in Manila's densely packed neighbourhoods.

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READ: Italy shuts stores across country to fight coronavirus

During a nationally televised address, Duterte also announced a month of school closures, ban on mass
gatherings and a prohibition on the entry of foreigners from places where the contagion is spreading.

"It's a lockdown," said Duterte.

"It's just a matter of protecting and defending you from COVID-19. That's about it."

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It was not immediately clear when all the measures would take effect but Duterte said the prohibition
on domestic sea, air and land traffic in and out of Manila would start Sunday.

The Philippines' tally of cases has risen from 24 to 52 since Monday and four of its five virus-related
deaths were reported this week.

Cases globally now stand at more than 125,000 and 4,600 deaths, most of which have been in China.

“During times of crisis like this coronavirus epidemic, people want to be reassured our leaders know
what they are doing,” columnist Boo Chanco wrote in the local Philippine Star.

Philippine Central Banker Quarantines as Duterte Tests for Virus

Schools in the country will remain shut until April 12, and public gatherings prohibited. Local officials
have been empowered to impose community- to province-wide quarantines.

— With assistance by Siegfrid Alegado, Andreo Calonzo, Clarissa Batino, and Cecilia Yap

Duterte to address nation as government moves to contain COVID-19

Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News

Posted at Mar 12 2020 04:16 PM | Updated as of Mar 12 2020 09:59 PM

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MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte will address the Filipino nation on Thursday, Malacañang said as the
government moves to arrest the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Duterte’s address comes after the government’s inter-agency task force handling the country’s response
to the virus outbreak agreed on Thursday to adopt a resolution containing measures on how to control
the spread of the disease.

“The contents of the resolution will be announced to the public following the approval by the
President,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Panelo confirmed that the President would be tested for COVID-19 after attending an
event where a person who tested positive for the disease was also present.
Several of the government’s top officials and lawmakers have also gone on self-quarantine following
exposure to a COVID-19 patient.

Among these officials are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez,
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, and Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno.

Duterte, Cabinet members exposed to COVID-19 patient in March 5 infra event

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Panfilo Lacson, Imee Marcos, Francis Tolentino, and Juan Miguel Zubiri
have also isolated themselves from the public as a precautionary measure against the spread of the
disease.

Senators go on 'precautionary' quarantine after COVID-19 patient's Senate visit

Earlier this week, the Philippines declared a state of public health emergency and Duterte suspended
classes at all levels in Metro Manila in a bid to contain the virus. The health department is on Code Red,
Sub-level 1, placing medical personnel and resources on full deployment.

As of Thursday, the Philippines has confirmed 49 COVID-19 patients. The outbreak, which began in
China, has killed some 4,000 people and infected 110,000 others worldwide, prompting the World
Health Organization to declare a global pandemic.

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Home > Sports

Gobert to donate $500K to arena workers, coronavirus relief

Reuters

Posted at Mar 15 2020 06:08 AM

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Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has pledged to donate a total of $500,000 for arena employees in Utah
and Oklahoma City, as well as overall COVID-19 relief in his home country of France, the team
announced Saturday.

Gobert became the first NBA player to test positive for the coronavirus, prompting the league to
suspend its regular season indefinitely. He has since apologized for acting carelessly before learning of
the diagnosis.

"I know there are countless ways that people have been impacted," the 27-year-old Gobert said, per the
Jazz's official announcement. "These donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and
support for all those impacted and are the first of many steps I will take to try and make a positive
difference, while continuing to learn more about COVID-19 and educate others."
Per the Jazz's announcement, Gobert's donation will provide $200,000 in aid to part-time employees at
Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City who are not able to work due to the postponement of NBA
games. He will also pledge $100,000 to assist families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Utah and
Oklahoma City plus 100,000 euros for his native France.

Gobert on Monday joked about the NBA's policy to keep media members at a safe distance from players
in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. He touched all the microphones and other recording
equipment at the press table after concluding interviews with the media in a room at the Jazz's press
facility.

After Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell confirmed Thursday over social media that the center tested
positive for coronavirus, Gobert issued an apology on Instagram.

"I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone
through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis ... mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment,"
Gobert wrote.

"The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have
endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected," he said.

"I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take
this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and
prevent the spread of this virus. I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your
support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love