JEANALYN T.

AQUINO
BSN-2A

 Share a news item about recent undertakings of WHO that you think will impact on the
health situation in the Philippines. Discuss the potential effects of these undertakings on
the local health situation.

DOH UPDATES ON THE COVID-19 HEALTH SITUATION

Press Release / 2 March 2020

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that as of 12:00 NN, there are now only 43 patients
under investigation (PUIs) admitted in various health facilities. A total of 592 patients have
already been discharged.

“The decrease in the number of PUIs being admitted is welcome news to all. This may be
attributed to our strengthened surveillance, early travel restrictions, and enhanced laboratory
processes. But this is not enough reason to let our guards down. The DOH will continuously
assess the situation and improve its surveillance protocols based on evidence and further
developments,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III explained.

Updates on Repatriates at NCC Quarantine Facility

DOH reported that 14 quarantined individuals at the New Clark City (NCC) showed signs and
symptoms of respiratory illness. The PUIs manifested sore throat (10), cough (3) and fever (1)
and all have been tested for COVID-19. 

Among the 14 PUIs, 10 tested negative for COVID-19 while 4 are with pending laboratory
results. The PUIs are still admitted at the referral facility.

“We are more than ready to cater to the needs of our kababayans should they test positive for
COVID-19. We are also geared up for the possibility of local transmission. The welfare and
safety of our health workers are our topmost priority, and as such we have adequately trained and
equipped them to carefully handle positive cases should they arise,” the Health Secretary said.

Global Situation

DOH is adapting its contingency plans as the World Health Organization raised its risk
assessment on the COVID-19 to “Very High” at the regional and global levels. Currently there
are 58 countries with confirmed cases and 20 countries with local transmission.

DOH also reported that as of March 2, there are a total of 86 confirmed COVID-19 cases among
Overseas Filipinos (OF) around the globe. Japan recorded the most OF cases with a total of 80
(48 admitted,  32 discharged), followed by UAE, Hongkong, and Singapore with two cases each.
The most recent case was a 41-year old Filipina who was admitted to a health facility in
Singapore.

“The Philippine Government has repatriated 10 Overseas Filipinos from the M/V Diamond
Princess cruise ship who were initially positive for COVID-19 and were later discharged after
their recovery. President Roa Rodrigo Duterte has been personally monitoring their status, and
promised the same care and protection to our other kababayans who might soon find themselves
in the same position. He is keen on ensuring our fellow-Filipinos’ health and safety wherever
they are in the world,” the Health Chief remarked.

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop
mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. As the coronavirus
pandemic rapidly sweeps across the world, it is inducing a considerable degree of fear,
worry and concern in the population at large and among certain groups in particular, such
as older adults, care providers and people with underlying health conditions. All
governments, health organisations and other authorities are continuously focussing on
identifying the cases affected by the COVID-19. Healthcare professional face lot of
difficulties in maintaining the quality of healthcare in these days.

Presently the impacts of COVID-19 in daily life are extensive and have far reaching
consequences. These can be divided into various categories:

Healthcare

o • Challenges in the diagnosis, quarantine and treatment of suspected or

confirmed cases
o • High burden of the functioning of the existing medical system
o • Patients with other disease and health problems are getting neglected
o • Overload on doctors and other healthcare professionals, who are at a very
high risk
o • Overloading of medical shops
o • Requirement for high protection
o • Disruption of medical supply chain

Economic

o • Slowing of the manufacturing of essential goods

o • Disrupt the supply chain of products
o • Losses in national and international business
o • Poor cash flow in the market
o • Significant slowing down in the revenue growth
Social

o • Service sector is not being able to provide their proper service

o • Cancellation or postponement of large-scale sports and tournaments
o • Avoiding the national and international travelling and cancellation of
services
o • Disruption of celebration of cultural, religious and festive events
o • Undue stress among the population
o • Social distancing with our peers and family members
o • Closure of the hotels, restaurants and religious places
o • Closure of places for entertainment such as movie and play theatres, sports
clubs, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and so on.
o • Postponement of examinations