The Coronavirus is No 1918 Pandemic
Remembering how the great flu pandemic in 1918 cost the lives of 100 million lives worldwide, we look at how more equipped we are in handling this novel coronavirus outbreak.
DOH announces 6th confirmed case of COVID-19
As of March 7, 2020, the Philippine Department of Health recommended to President Duterte the declaration of a public health emergency as it confirmed local transmission with the announcement of the 6th confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Philippines.
Updates on Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)
Data on Daily Global Situation as of March 6, 2020 show that there have been 98,192 confirmed cases with 2,873 new cases. In China, 80,711 confirmed with 146 new cases. Outside China, there have been 17,481 confirmed with 2,727 new cases.
Responsible sharing of information
Secretary Duque also appealed for responsible sharing of information, that all healthcare providers, institutions and stakeholders to exercise prudence in sharing sensitive information, balancing public health and safety thru contact tracing while ensuring individual rights to privacy.
Here is a reminder for professional behavior on social media. Negativism, outright ranting and complaints serves no purpose in addressing the identified health problem.
With all hands on deck, let us discuss the roles and responsibilities of each healthcare provider, institutions, stakeholders and the general public in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
T1. How has COVID-19 affected society today?
T2. In what ways can we help efforts in controlling the epidemic?
T3. What is the role of social media in addressing the spread of COVID-19 considering the announcement of local transmission in the Philippines?
From what I read in different social media (FB, Twitter, IG), a number of people are skeptical on how Philippines is reporting Covid19 cases. Numbers are too low which seems unrealistic for a viral infection with basic reproduction number of about 2.5. Understand that the information is being managed to avoid panic but breaking news such as suddenly raising alert level to Code Red would just add on to the suspicion - that there is downplaying of information and that, actually, there are already a lot of infected people who are spreading the virus. They are not just tested. Question is... should the government be more aggressive on testing PUIs, and more transparent on the extent of Covid19 cases in PH? This awareness could help people combat the disease.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if the patient discharge rate is high, this could be a good thing since it could mean the treatment is effective. And everyone in the world would notice it.
Btw, is "discharge" equals to full recovery?