DOH says Philippines facing second wave of COVID-19 cases, but curve has flattened

May 20, 2020

The Department of Health (DOH) Wednesday said the country is in its second wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

In a televised press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said epidemiological data show the  first wave  was back in January when the first three COVID-19 cases were reported.

The second wave was when thousands of cases were reported in March.

"In technical or epidemiological terms, we are considered as being in the second wave," said Vergeire.

"But for us regular people, what counts would be the major wave. Hence, we are on our first major wave. The peak was last March 31, where we had 538 cases," she said.

Vergeire said the country has recently flattened the curve.

"We have been flattening the curve in this current major wave with the cases 'only' averaging 220 cases in the past five weeks," she said.

Vergeire said Filipinos must be  vigilant against COVID-19.

"Most importantly, we need to prevent whichever wave is forthcoming, if it's the second major wave or third (epidemiological) wave, and whatever kind of surge in cases," said Vergeire.

The number of COVID-19 cases reached 13, 221 cases after the DOH reported 279 new ones.

Five deaths were recorded, bringing to 842 the total number of COVID-19 deaths.

There were 89 new cases of recoveries,bringing the total to 2,932 COVID-19 patients that have recovered. DMS