DOH Reports 4+9 New Covid-19 Cases; Total Now 33

The Department of Health (DOH) reported nine (9) new confirmed cases (PH25-33) of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), on top of the four (4) new cases (PH21-24) announced yesterday evening, March 9, 2020. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 33.

DOH also clarified that the 11 new cases announced earlier today are in fact new positive samples and not cases. Upon verification, DOH reported that two (2) of the new positive samples received by the Epidemiology Bureau (EB) of DOH are repeat tests on samples taken from cases PH7 and PH8.

The 13 new cases are admitted at various hospitals: the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (PH21), Cardinal Santos Medical Center (PH22), San Lazaro Hospital (PH23), St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City (PH24), New Clark City (NCC) quarantine facility (PH25-26, MVDP repatriates), and the Medical City (PH27-33), respectively.

Of the 13 new cases, PH21-24 are currently in stable condition, PH25-26 are asymptomatic, and statuses of PH27-33 are for verification.

The EB of DOH is conducting comprehensive contact tracing activities for all cases. DOH is also in close coordination with concerned Local Government Units and Centers for Health Development for the implementation of infection prevention and control measures at the local level, and the Philippine National Police and other government agencies and concerned stakeholders for identification and management of close contacts.

“With the increasing number of cases, I implore everyone to fully cooperate with us in investigation and contact tracing activities. Individuals with a known history of exposure and travel presenting with mild symptoms are advised to self-isolate and undergo home quarantine for 14 days. Those presenting severe and critical symptoms need to be immediately admitted to health facilities. Please contact DOH and call the designated hotline at (02) 8-651-7800 loc 1149-1150 for appropriate management and referral,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque said.

“I would like to again remind everyone to please help us help you. Practice personal preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and social distancing. We also advise everyone to avoid visiting public places and/or attending mass gatherings at this critical time. Only with your cooperation and support can we win our fight against COVID-19,” the Health Chief concluded. (DOH PR)