MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is asking the public to wear red bands as a show of support for health workers, who are now at the frontlines of the country’s fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a Laging Handa press briefing, Health Undersecretary Rosette Vergeire encouraged the public to wear the bands, saying the red band symbolizes the medical workers still serving the public and those doctors who have died fighting the disease.
“This red band hinihikayat ko po lahat na magsuot nito para ipakita natin ang suporta natin sa kanilang lahat,” Health Undersecretary Rosette Vergeire, who is also seen wearing the red band on her arm, said in a Laging Handa press briefing.
(We are encouraging people to wear this red band to show our support for our health care workers.)
“Ito ay senyales na pagsuporta lalong lalo nas a healthcare workers, lalong lalo na sa ating mga namatay na doctor at dun po sa health care workers na patuloy pa ring lumalaban at inaalagaan po ang ating mga pasyente sa ospital sa Pilipinas. Ang puso po namin at ating suporta ay nasa inyo,” the health official added.
(This is a symbol of support especially for our healthcare workers, especially to our doctors who passed away and those health care workers who continue to fight and take care of our patients in Philippine hospitals. Our hearts and support go to you.)
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire wears a red band on her arm which signifies her support for medical workers who helped in fighting the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines. /Screenshot from PTV live briefing of Laging Handa
On Tuesday, Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, provincial health chief of Pampanga, died two weeks after having symptoms of the respiratory disease. He died of cardiac arrest.
Currently, the infectious disease, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected 552 people in the Philippines. Of the number, the disease killed 35 while 20 people have recovered.
COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms such as cough and fever for most people but for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, there could be severe symptoms like pneumonia.
The World Health Organization had tagged the new coronavirus disease as a pandemic as it already infected more than 300,000 people globally and killed more than 16,750.