DOH: COVID-19 cases in PH now 193; 7 recover

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines now has 193 cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), six cases higher from the Department of Health’s last update on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Presidential Communication’s Laging Handa Public Briefing, citing data from the DOH, there are now 193 cases of COVID-19 in the country, seven of the patients were able to recover while 14 patients have died as of 11 a.m. Wednesday.

According to PCOO's Laging Handa Public Briefing, there are now 193 cases of COVID-19 in the country as of 11 a.m. of Wednesday, March 18. This is 6 cases higher from the DOH's last update on Tuesday afternoon. @inquirerdotnet (📸 PTV FB) pic.twitter.com/qV56ObdiCX

— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) March 18, 2020

The DOH, however, has yet to release information about the new cases.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday declared a state of calamity in the entire Philippines amid the increasing COVID-19 cases.

He also placed the entire Luzon island under enhanced community quarantine, shutting down public transportation and strictly enforcing home quarantine.

The new coronavirus, which was first detected in China’s Hubei province late last year, causes mild symptoms such as fever and cough for most people but can cause serious illness such as pneumonia for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems.

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.

Edited by MUF