Manila COVID number dropping

Due to the aggressive approach by city health experts, the number of active coronavirus patients in Manila has significantly fallen.

From a high of 718 active cases, it has dropped to 483 in the three-day duration from 20 to 23 October.

The Manila Health Department attribute the low number of infections to a multi-pronged approach drawn up by city health professionals.

Active cases come from Tondo 1, 88 cases; Sampaloc, 85; Tondo, 53; Malate, 50; Sta. Cruz, 34; San Andres, 31; Sta. Ana, 30; Paco, 28; Sta. Mesa, 25; Port Area, eight; Binondo, seven; Intramuros, six; Quiapo, four; and San Miguel, three.

Of the COVID-19 cases recorded since the disease hit Manila last March, there are 18,284 recoveries and 574 deaths.

The Manila Health Department attributed the decreasing figure to several approaches from the plan drawn up the city’s health professionals.

The sudden drop in active cases is probably due to the combined effort of the city’s six district hospitals, the presence of three molecular laboratories and nine serology testing areas, including those in city-owned hospitals and two drive-thru testing sites, and 13 temporary quarantine facilities.

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso earlier announced free swab tests for all workers who are employed in the city in order to enable the opening of some businesses to pump-prime the economy. These include drivers of jeepneys, tricycles and pedicabs, vendors and other employees.

In addition, the mayor said last week those who will test positive in the swab tests and subject themselves voluntarily to the care of the city will be entitled to a free sack of rice and grocery items while they are under treatment in quarantine areas.

Dr. Poks Pangan, Manila Health Department chief, said in a telephone interview with Daily Tribune said the free food assistance was approved by the mayor to support those who will need to stop working after testing positive for COVID-19 during the free swab tests. Since they will be in quarantine for 14 days, this is an assurance their families will not go hungry while they are in isolation.

“Mayor Domagoso’s approach for those who will test positive in the swab tests has a heart. We all know that most of them are breadwinners, and what will happen to their families if they suddenly stop working,” Pangan explained.