Duque says new COVID-19 cases have almost plateaued”

April 22, 2020

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday new coronavirus disease  2019COVID-19) cases '' have almost plateaued''.

"We have almost plateaued. However, we have yet to reach the stage of flattening the curve to the extent that we would have wanted it," said Duque.

Duque made this remark as the Department of Health (DOH) reported 111 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 6,710.

Recoveries remain higher than deaths. There were 39 recoveries for a total of 693 recovered patients while nine deaths were recorded, placing the total at 446.

Duque said the DOH's stance is based on the fact that the "doubling time" of cases has risen to 14 days.

He said there were 3,000 cases, as of April 5, and it doubled last April 19, instead of the expected April 9.

"This is a proof that doubling time has, in fact, been prolonged, which is good," said Duque.

"We have several more days to see if the plateau will reflect a beginning downtrend," said Duque. DMS