MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday honored the “heroic” medical practitioners at the frontlines of the Philippines’ battle against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a message aired by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Duque expressed gratitude to all the Filipino doctors, nurses, medical staff and health workers for their “selfless” service amid the spread of the respiratory disease in the country.
“For all the brave and selfless Filipinos who are working to stop COVID-19, I have a simple message: maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo sa inyong walang kupas, sa inyong walang humpay na paninilbihan,” Duque said.
Duque gave his assurance that the Department of Health is exerting all efforts to ensure that the health workers are protected and equipped as they bravely carry out their sworn duties in the service of the Filipino people.
The health chief said that the medical practitioners’ work at this trying time is “nothing short of heroic.”
“We appreciate all the sacrifices made to cure this thing and to protect the health and well being of our families and friends. Your work against COVID-19-19 is nothing short of heroic. We continue to rely on your heroism in the weeks and months ahead,” Duque said.
“I also hope to see you in better times to personally embrace and thank you for indeed your manifest sense of heroism. Stay strong and keep alert. Keep heart. The Filipino people will never forget your heroism in this phase of great adversity and may your families, relatives and friends continue to understand our solemn oath,” he added.
As of date, the Philippines has 140 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 12 of whom have died while two recovered.
COVID-19, now considered by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, has infected more than 160,000 people in over 140 different countries and territories, including China where the virus originated.
The virus causes mild symptoms such as fever and cough for most people but experts said older adults with preexisting health conditions were more vulnerable to the coronavirus, particularly those aged over 60-years-old.
To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who show respiratory symptoms.