Public Health Emergency Declared in the Philippines Amid Increasing Coronavirus Cases
PHILIPPINES – The country is now under a public health emergency over the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus.
The Philippines is one of the countries outside China that are affected by the 2019 novel coronavirus. The total number of confirmed cases in the country is increasing.
From five (5) last week, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country is at ten (10) now. Also, a case of local transmission was confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH).
The 5th confirmed patient of coronavirus in the country is a 62-year-old man with no travel history. According to DOH, it is a case of local transmission. His wife also tested positive for the disease over the weekend.
To curb the spread of the disease and prepare the healthcare facilities and staff in the country, the DOH suggested to Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte to declare a public health emergency.
Recently, Pres. Duterte agreed to put the Philippines under a state of public health emergency. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the President signed the Proclamation No.922 to “capacitate government agencies and LGUs to immediately act to prevent loss of life”.
Recently, several local government units (LGUs) confirmed cases of coronavirus in their areas. Among these are Quezon City and Pasig City.
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