More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
The number of those infected with COVID-19 continues to rise and there is no stopping it in sight. That is not preventing officials from making overly positive forecasts.
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/09/03/2039739/lorenzana-sees-flattening-curve-month |
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, chair of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, is confident that the flattening of the curve will finally be achieved within the month.
Such can be done with the help of every Filipino who should follow all health protocols aimed at putting an end to the pandemic, Lorenzana said.
“Yes, we can. What will we do to achieve it? Strictly implement the health protocols and follow the campaign plan developed by the NTF,” Lorenzana told journalists yesterday.
He said the key is to abide by or follow the acronym PDITR, which stands for protect, detect, isolate, treat and reintegrate.
Lorenzana said such system contains step-by-step processes that should be implemented at work, at home and even when travelling to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“The NTF has disseminated this to the businesses, Regional Task Forces and LGUs (local government units),” he said, when asked on the prediction of University of the Philippines researchers that the curve may finally flatten this month.
“If everyone follows this plan, we will not only flatten the curve but bring it down,” Lorenzana said.
Once again the onus is being put on the public to stop the spread of the virus. Could the real problem be that the virus is not stopped by flimsy face masks and silly face shields or even alcohol sprays? Perhaps the virus continues to spread because of its nature which allows it to transcend such barriers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a long trail of hazardous waste in its wake.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114192 |
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday reminded the public as well as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and even businesses and companies of the proper way to dispose of hazardous wastes amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The DENR made this reminder after hundreds of used rapid test kits were left scattered along M. Dela Fuente Street in Sampaloc, Manila on Tuesday evening.
DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concerns Benny Antiporda in an interview over DZBB said that there is a color coding scheme in disposing of hazardous wastes.
“Let me remind everybody that we have a correct process in disposing of our hazardous wastes. We can place it in a yellow bag or if not, in any trash bag and put a visible label on it,” Antiporda said.
How hard is it to properly dispose of your garbage? Apparently it is quite hard in the Philippines.Antiporda said yellow is the color for “hazwastes”.
The word among the conspiracy crowd is that COVID-19 is fake and those who run the world are trying to shake things up and fairly bring bout a new world order.
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/09/04/2040026/duterte-calls-new-order-amid-pandemic |
President Duterte has urged fellow leaders to seize the opportunity presented by the coronavirus disease pandemic to build a “new order” that is more secure and sustainable by strengthening economic and defense cooperation.
“For the first time, all of humanity fear the exact same invisible menace. Not even the Second World War had this most sweeping effect... The repercussions, as we are seeing now, are grim and far-reaching. We have economies in recession, institutions in crisis and societies in state of uncertainty,” he said.
“But the path to recovery requires more openness, deeper solidarity and stronger cooperation among nations,” he added.
“Let us seize this historic opportunity to build a new order: one that is more secure, just and humane – where there is no room for the barbarity of terrorists and extremist forces. And one that is fair, equal and sustainable – where progress and prosperity are enjoyed by all,” he said.
“Let us, therefore, honor those who have fallen to the invisible enemy that is the pandemic and the scourge of terrorism. Let us commit ourselves to enduring partnership and cooperation. For indeed, together, we shall prevail,” he added.
“Narrowing deep-seated inequalities was challenging in times of economic growth. It is more so now when the global economy, ours included, has slumped. Resources are shrinking, while inequities are worsening. Reviving the economy is, therefore, vital,” he said.
“Economic self-sufficiency may seem a logical response to the supply chain disruption we saw at the start of the pandemic. It may sound rational to those who perceive themselves to be on the losing end of globalization. But economic independence is not the answer,” he added.
“We will expand the digital economy to boost growth and create employment. And we will harness technology to allow businesses – especially (micro, small and medium enterprises) – access to regional and global supply chains,” he said.
“The path before us is clear: we will enhance cooperation with the ASEAN, the United Nations and other international partners like Jordan,” he said.
When even Duterte, who has cursed the UN and the EU and other international partners, starts spewing stuff like this perhaps the conspiracy crowd is on to something.
Remember when several underground hospitals for Chinese nationals were busted up by the PNP a few months ago? Turns out there might be more.
Remember when several underground hospitals for Chinese nationals were busted up by the PNP a few months ago? Turns out there might be more.
Authorities are validating reports about the existence of other underground hospitals for Chinese nationals amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a police official said on Friday.
Police Brigadier General Rhoderick Armamento, Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group deputy director for administration, told Dobol B on News TV that they are checking if there are also underground hospitals in Metro Manila and in CALABARZON.
"Right now, we are still validating some reports and our intelligence build-up is going on. Not only in Region III, we also have areas in Region IV-A, Metro Manila," Armamento said.
The Alliance for Consumer and Environmental Protection (ACAPE) Inc. has urged the national government to probe those behind the alleged clandestine hospital, which catered exclusively to Chinese patients who tested positive for COVID-19.
In May, police raided an "underground" hospital wherein a former leisure village was converted into an illegal pharmacy and seven-bed makeshift hospital for Chinese nationals infected with COVID-19 in Pampanga.
Aside from login after alleged underground hospitals the PNP is also on the lookout for quarantine violators flouting the rules online.
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| https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/754363/police-commanders-urged-to-monitor-social-media-for-quarantine-violations/story/ |
In a statement issued Saturday, JTF COVID Shield Commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said netizens have been posting on social media to complain of violations of minimum health safety standard protocols, including mass gatherings for drinking sessions and other forms of celebration.
Aside from this, some netizens are also uploading photos and videos of celebrations they have attended despite the prohibition under the community quarantine.
Eleazar added that other Facebook pages show photos and videos of quarantine protocol violations on the streets that are captured by closed circuit television (CCTVs) and dashcams.
"The social media are full of photos and evidence of hardheaded people deliberately violating the quarantine protocols. These can be used as pieces of evidence to warn, to fine and to summon the people concerned in coordination with the barangay officials concerned," Eleazar said.
Among the violations posted on social media are motorcycle pillion riding and drinking sessions.
The JTF COVID Shield commander said those caught having joined drinking sessions could face additional charges especially if their respective communities are implementing a liquor ban.
Remember when the PNP killed an alleged drug dealer and said they validated him as such through social media posts? Then remember how the PNP lied about the whole incident and now two cops are in prison for his murder? Social media alone is no proper way to validate if someone is breaking the law.
The DENR has inexplicably spent millions of pesos on a beautification project on the shores of Manila Bay. The justifications have been many and one has to do with the pandemic.
Frontliners have been hailed as heroes and many have sought what they could do to give back.
It seems rather convoluted and unnecessary. Notice that none of the frontliners he asked to play the game are nurses or doctors.
COVID-19 is spread through moisture droplets so what better way to stop the spread of the virus than by banning sneezing and spitting?
Sneezing while wearing a facemark, how does that work? Has the rise in cases been absolutely correlated to and causally linked with an increase in public spitting and sneezing? Good to see they finally prohibited public vomiting, urinating, and defecating.
Experts at the UP claim the August MECQ has flattened the curve. Even Duterte has concurred and thanked the public for following protocols. The DOH says not so fast.
The DENR has inexplicably spent millions of pesos on a beautification project on the shores of Manila Bay. The justifications have been many and one has to do with the pandemic.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114522 |
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque defended the move to fill Manila Bay with artificial white sand, noting this could boost the public's mental health in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
"(Amid the pandemic, we also need to take care of our mental health. I think walking along places like Manila Bay with white beach, you can't quantify its effect to the mental health, the peace of mind and break)" he said during an ambush interview on Saturday.Walking along Manila Bay? Isn't the government attempting to limit people's movements while the pandemic is raging? It's as stupid an answer as it is a project.
Frontliners have been hailed as heroes and many have sought what they could do to give back.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/338196/netizen-gives-back-by-doing-treasure-hunt-game-in-a-mall-for-random-frontliners |
A netizen shares his blessings with random people in a mall with his treasure hunt-inspired game.
Vicente Alcarez, 25, a private school teacher from Cebu, did not spend his money on things in the mall but rather, he shared P500 bills with strangers.
Alcarez filmed this project last August 10, the original plan was to let people around the mall figure out where he hid the bills, which he uploaded on September 1, 2020.
But he thought it might take forever for the people to find it, and so he opted to listen to some of the suggestions online about giving it instead to those working during this pandemic.
And so he did by uploading another video just yesterday, September 5.
“During the quarantine, people have been hooked to watching different vlogs, and so I thought of maybe giving it a try to give positive vibes and extend help to the community and the frontliners. I thought of this game, hiding a 500 peso bill in the mall,” he said.
He called four players to participate in the game, one is a food delivery rider, two mall janitors, and one sales lady from his favorite boutique in the mall.
Alcarez instructed them about the game and gave them hints to locate the hidden P500 bill.
“I received a lot of good feedbacks that made me realize that it’s always far better to give than to receive. Upon seeing their smiles and reading people’s comments as well, many people were so happy about it that it gave me more motivation to make more videos like this,” he added.
What a good way to give back and have a little fun, right? But worry not as Alcarez was following all the safety protocols in the mall like social distancing and full protective gear like the mask and the face shield.
COVID-19 is spread through moisture droplets so what better way to stop the spread of the virus than by banning sneezing and spitting?
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| https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/09/07/2040552/san-juan-bans-spitting-unprotected-sneezing |
Under the measure, those who would spit, sneeze or commit similar “involuntary acts without proper corner” in public places would be fined P500 up to P5,000 depending on the offense count. Succeeding offenses merit attendance in a health seminar.
Mayor Francis Zamora said the ordinance aims to curb the spread of COVID-19, citing an apparent increase in cases due to such acts.
“Sneezing and other similar acts without proper protection such as face masks and shields are strictly prohibited,” the city government said.
Urinating, vomiting and defecating in public places are also prohibited.
Experts at the UP claim the August MECQ has flattened the curve. Even Duterte has concurred and thanked the public for following protocols. The DOH says not so fast.
The Department of Health cannot yet confirm that the Philippines has flattened its COVID-19 pandemic curve, an official said Tuesday.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said the country has flattened the pandemic curve,lauding the public for following health protocols imposed by government.
On Sunday, Dr. Guido David of the UP OCTA Research Team said Metro Manila and Calabarzon are starting to flatten the pandemic curve, as the virus reproduction rate in the two regions is estimated at 0.95, below the threshold of "1."
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, however, said authorities still need to conduct further study as the objective of flattening of the curve is to "spread the increase of the number of new cases over a longer period of time" to avoid overwhelming the healthcare system's capacity.
(We will see but we will continue our strategies. We cannot really confirm yet that this is what we call the flattening of the curve.)
(We need to conduct more studies, we need to look at all the factors. Though our numbers are going down these past days, we need to look at the state of our health system.)
Perhaps the UP is confusing correlation with causation. It is as very easy mistake to make.
The Mayor of Manila has effectively canceled Undas this year.
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| https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/08/20/mayor-isko-orders-closure-of-manila-cemeteries-from-oct-31-to-nov-3-to-prevent-covid-19-spread |
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday announced that the city would be closing cemeteries from October 31 to November 3 to prevent the possible spread of the novel coronavirus.
(From now until October 30, you can go visit. The point is as early as now, you can go and visit your departed loved ones.)
The order is in his recently signed Executive Order No. 38, with the dates covering days of traditional annual visits to cemeteries, which draw millions.
(Please bear with us but this is an effect of the new normal. I will give you a change and in case the situation gets better in this pandemic, meaning if there would be no more COVID-19 cases in Manila by October 31, then I will rescind this executive order.)
The temporary closure covers all public and private memorial parks, cemeteries and columbaries in the city.
Undas could be back on but only if there are no COVID-19 cases in Manila by October 31st. That seems highly unlikely. This measure will likely be copied by cities across the nation.
Some COVID-19 patients under quarantine are losing their composure.
Some COVID-19 patients under quarantine are losing their composure.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114724 |
An 85-year-old man positive of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has attempted to burn down the isolation facility here a few days after he escaped from the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City.
The police said the patient burned a table and broke some window glasses while he was locked inside the Don Primitivo S. Perez Social Hall on Sunday.
In an interview on Tuesday, Senior Fire Officer 4 Rogelio Quizon Jr., acting municipal fire marshal, said the fire started after a mosquito coil (katol) burned the papers in the table.
The patient is admitted at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City, where he is under strict monitoring.
He was admitted to the R1MC on August 30 after testing positive for Covid-19.
On August 31, the patient was seen roaming in the city hall complex after allegedly escaping the hospital.
Mayor Kenneth Perez has ordered that the patient be returned to R1MC, but the doctors refused him to be readmitted, prompting the local government unit to put him in the town’s isolation facility.
The patient begged to be allowed to go outside, but it was not granted since he is a Covid-19 positive causing him to threaten the nurses that he would burn down the facility.
Meanwhile, Perez is set to ask the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to investigate the incident, citing the hospital’s lax on security which made the escape of the patient possible.
Could we see more of this kind of behavior in the future now that the DOH has banned home quarantine?
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1333026/no-more-home-quarantine-for-covid-19-patients |
The government will strictly disallow home quarantine for COVID-19 patients, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Tuesday. In a television interview, Año said the government planned to implement the new policy “within the week.”
Año said the joint memorandum of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government that allows home quarantine for mild and asymptomatic patients and those without underlying conditions who have their own rooms and bathrooms would be amended to make way for the new policy.
“It’s really best that we isolate everyone, rich and poor,” Año said, adding that the well-to-do should not worry as the government has turned hotels into isolation centers.
“We have COVID-19 hotels where they can be isolated,” he said. “[I]t is very important to get them out of their homes because their family will be infected. That is for the good, for the sake of family members.”
But there would be exemptions, Año said, especially the elderly who could not be moved to isolation centers.
He said health and local officials would look into situations to make sure those who would ask to self-isolate had valid reasons.
This decision overturns what the DOH said a few days prior when they assured the public they would allow asymptomatic patients and those with their own room and facilities to stay at home.
The government has expanded their mandatory face shield protocol.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1332539/govt-expands-mandatory-wearing-of-face-shields |
“The wearing of the same shall be likewise required in supermarkets, public markets, malls and in venues where government-initiated meetings and critical government services are being conducted or provided,” the IATF said.
Is there any other nation in the world requiring the public to wear face shields and face masks? I cannot think of any. It's really just an extra burden which won't stop the spread of the virus and makes it hard to see because of the glare.
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