Primer’s COVID-19 Daily Update: April 16, 2020

To keep you in the loop on the recent COVID-19 situation in the Philippines, Philippine Primer rounded up the latest updates you need to know:

Number of cases

As of 4 p.m. today, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported 207 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, raising the total number to 5,660.

DOH also announced 82 new recoveries, the highest number of recoveries in a day, and 13 additional deaths resulting in a total of 435 recoveries and 362 mortalities. 

IATF gives go signal to Marikina COVID-19 testing center

In a radio interview with Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro on SuperRadyo DZBB this morning, he announced that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the city’s COVID-19 testing center.

The testing laboratory is set to be fully operational by next week, April 20. As of yesterday, the city recorded 73 confirmed cases and 22 suspect cases.

/IMAGE grabbed from marikina.gov.ph

WHO releases updated COVID-19 strategy guides for national and subnational levels 

On the document, WHO reminded nations that “decisions about when and where to transition must be evidence based, data driven and implemented incrementally.” Additionally, they recommend a 2-week interlude between each phase of transition (ex. from enhanced quarantine to localized quarantine).

“To reduce the risk of new outbreaks, measures should be lifted in a phased, step-wise manner based on an assessment of the epidemiological risks and socioeconomic benefits of lifting restrictions on different workplaces, educational institutions, and social activities.”

The updated @WHO global #COVID19 strategy guides the public health response at national and subnational levels, including practical guidance for strategic action, tailored to the local context. https://t.co/08xlv7HLC4

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 15, 2020

Php 65B released to LGUs to be given to low-income households and COVID-19 affected families

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles confirmed this morning that Php 65 billion has been released to 1,228 LGUs for the distribution of cash aid for low-income households and those heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

18 million low-income households and those in the informal sector are to receive cash subsidies ranging from Php 5,000 to Php 8,000 for 2 months as mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Republic Act 11469).

Also read: Bayanihan to Heal as One Act Grants Duterte Additional Powers to Address COVID-19 Crisis

PhilSports Arena in Pasig and Filinvest Tent in Muntinlupa start conversion into quarantine facilities

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar announced that they have started the groundwork for converting the facilities, PhilSports Arena and Filinvest Tent into COVID-19 quarantine facilities.

According to him, Filinvest Tent has a 108-bed capacity while the PhilSports arena will be able to hold 156 patients. With the aid of private companies, DPWH has temporarily converted the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the World Trade Center (WTC), and Rizal Memorial into public quarantine facilities.

Also read: LIST: Temporary Medical & Quarantine Facilities in Metro Manila for COVID-19 Patients

Rizal Memorial converted into makeshift quarantine facility/IMAGE grabbed from DPWH

Manila and Quezon City to penalize funeral homes that refuse services for deceased COVID-19 patients

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), deceased COVID-19 patients must be cremated and buried within 12 hours after expiration.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso signed Ordinance No. 8628 which will penalize any funeral service refusing to handle the remains of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.

On the same beat, Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte’s city ordinance will be fined a maximum Php 5,000 per violation, subsequent revocation of their business permit and an imprisonment of not more than six months.

Also read:

• Ways to Be Safe From COVID-19 Pandemic
• What to Know About the Enhanced Comprehensive Quarantine in Luzon

For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline 02-8651-7800 loc. 1149 / 1150