DOH reports two new COVID-19 cases

March 6, 2020

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday announced two new cases of novel coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) in the country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III at a press briefing bared that among the new confirmed cases was a 48-year-old male Filipino who had recently travelled from Japan.

The other case was a 62-year-old male Filipino from San Juan City with no travel history but who regularly visited a Muslim prayer hall. Duque said the patient also has diabetes and hypertension.

Three cases of COVID-19 have been previously confirmed bringing the total number of recorded cases to five.

A 40-year-old Japanese national who suspectedly had treavelled from the Philippines was also reported to be tested positive for the COVID-19.

This was brought up during the press briefing by Health Assistant Maria Rosario Vergeire. However, she clarified that the health department is still verifying the case.

“There was this report from yesterday that there was this Japanese man, apparently in his 40s, that tested positive (for COVID-19) that has visited the Philippines. Information is being completed as we speak,” Vergeire explained. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS