CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Department of Health officially confirmed Monday afternoon 10 new cases of the coronavirus disease in the country, increasing the total to 20.
In a press briefing, DOH assistant secretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the sudden increase was due to DOH’s “intensified surveillance” on suspected cases of the disease.
“The epidemiology bureau of DOH is currently conducting comprehensive contact tracing activities for the said cases. DOH is also currently in coordination with concerned local government units and centers for health development for localized response and implementation of infection prevention and control measures,” said Vergeire.
State of public health emergency
Earlier Monday, President Duterte signed Proclamation No. 922 declaring a nationwide state of public health emergency due to Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, DOH recommended the declaration after it raised its alert to Code Red Sub-Level 1 in the wake of the first local transmission of Covid-19 by the 5th patient.
The state of public health emergency will remain in effect until the President lifts or withdraws the said proclamation.
As of March 9, the Philippines has a total of 20 confirmed Covid-19 cases, 41 patients under investigation, and 655 discharged cases.
