RECOVERIES SURPASS NUMBER OF COVID-19 DEATHS IN PHL

THE number of persons who have recovered from Covid-19 has surpassed the number of fatalities, as the country reported 353 recoveries while deaths stood at 349 nationwide as of April 15. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also announced that as of 6 p.m. of April 14, at least 39,947 individual tests were already conducted. Of the number, 5,782 are positive cases, while 34,116 tested negative of the disease. “The number of positive results is higher compared to the confirmed results because of validation and processing, while admitted patients will undergo repeat tests,” Vergeire explained at a virtual press conference.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 230 new cases (PH5224-PH5453) of Covid-19 as of 4 p.m. (April 15). The total number of cases in the country is now at 5,453. The DOH also announced 58 new recoveries and 14 new deaths.

Expanded testing

AS the government has rolled out its expanded testing on April 14, Vergeire also clarified that the most at risk for Covid-19 will be prioritized for the expanded testing as prescribed by DOH Department Memorandum 2020-0151, and reiterated by Department Circular 2020-0179. “Those who think they are infected will still need to be assessed by a health professional. They can do this in the comforts of [their] home through Telemedicine consultations,” Vergeire said, adding that assessment by a licensed health professional remains a prerequisite before one could get tested for Covid-19. According to Vergeire, those who belong to these two priority subgroups are: (1) patients or health-care workers with severe or critical symptoms and history of travel or exposure, and (2) patients or health-care workers with mild symptoms, relevant history of travel or exposure, and considered vulnerable (e.g., 60 years old or older, has other illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, or is immunocompromised).

Patients or health-care workers not considered vulnerable but with mild symptoms and relevant history of travel or exposure, and those with no symptoms but have relevant history of travel or exposure, will also be tested under the expanded testing scheme.

While subgroups 1 and 2 are given priority, anyone who requests to get tested must be assessed by a licensed health professional who shall determine whether he or she falls under any of these prioritized groups and whether he/she should get tested immediately.

Upon assessment, the patient will be instructed to proceed to the most accessible health facility for testing. Otherwise, they will be advised to undergo home quarantine or proceed to a community quarantine facility.

“We want to avoid people crowding and lining up in our testing centers to demand for tests even if they do not experience any symptom,” Vergeire explained, adding that if this happens, it might result in increased cases of transmission.

The DOH also recommends calling 24/7 Telemedicine Hotlines for those who wish to consult health professionals from their homes. Metro Manila residents may call 02-8424-1724 or 02-7798-8000. Those outside of Metro Manila may use 1555 (for all networks) and the (02) 894-COVID hotline to seek medical advice.