By J. Jala | 06:36 PM May 20, 2020
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III revealed on Wednesday that the Philippines is now experiencing its “second wave” or surge of Covid-19 cases.
“Actually nasa second wave tayo,” said Duque in a virtual Senate hearing.
“Ginagawa natin ang lahat para maflatten ‘yung epidemic curve at para magkaroon tayo ng sapat na panahon na mapaunlad at mapataas ang ating kakayahan sa sistemang pankalusugan.”
However, he did not detail when the second wave began, only that the country’s first COVID-19 cases recorded in January involving three Chinese nationals, were considered the first wave of infections.
The Covid-19 national tally broke the 13,000 mark on Wednesday with a death toll of 842 and recoveries reaching 2,932.
Duque said the Health Department is now focused on preventing a third wave of cases as quarantine restrictions slowly ease.
Duque said the agency is working on ensuring that “minimum health standards” such as reducing vulnerability, reducing transmission and reducing contact, are followed.
