Drug maker AstraZeneca applies for COVID-19 vaccine trials in PH
MANILA, Nov 20 (Mabuhay) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday said the country’s vaccine expert panel recently received and is now studying the application of United Kingdom-based drugmaker AstraZeneca to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in the Philippines. “The vaccine expert panel is now evaluating several applications or several that signified interest (in […]
Red Cross still waiting for gov’t nod on use of saliva test
MANILA, Nov 19 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has yet to get government approval for the use of its saliva COVID-19 test, Sen. Richard Gordon said on Thursday. “Nag submit kami dyan almost 3 months ago, pero sa health assessment I think a month and a one week na. Pero sabi sa akin […]
PH Covid-19 recoveries now 374,666
MANILA, Nov 19 (Mabuhay) — The overall tally of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) recoveries nationwide has risen to 374,666 with 143 new recovered cases reported on Wednesday. The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 1,383 newly confirmed cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 29,474. Of the active cases, about 83.8 percent are mild, […]
US committed to give Philippines access to COVID-19 vaccines
MANILA, Nov 18 (Mabuhay)– The United States has committed to give the Philippines access to COVID-19 vaccines once they become available after an American biotechnology firm Moderna reported positive results from its late-stage vaccine trial. It was US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who informed Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. about Washington’s commitment to […]
Russia can make COVID-19 vaccines for Philippines in January 2021
MANILA, Nov 17 (Mabuhay) — Russia can begin the production of COVID-19 vaccines intended for the Philippines as early as January next year if the country is ready to accept them, Manila’s Ambassador to Moscow Carlos Sorreta said Monday. Sorreta made the statement days after the developers of Russia’s vaccine candidate, Sputnik V, reported that […]
Philippine COVID-19 cases top 407,000 as new recoveries hit 11,290
MANILA, Nov 16 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally rose to 407,838 on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,530 new infections. The areas with the highest number of newly reported cases were Cavite with 90, Rizal with 84, Manila City with 79, Davao City with 78, and Taguig City […]
Covid-19 vaccine might be ready early next year — envoy
MANILA, Nov 11 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines may receive an initial supply of American-made vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) by early 2021 once talks are finalized and a contract has been signed, Philippine Ambassador to Washington D.C. Jose Manuel Romualdez said. “Sa tingin ko by early next year, first quarter, magkakaroon na tayo ng […]
Duterte approves National Vaccine Roadmap
MANILA, Nov 10 (Mabuhay) — The Palace confirmed on Monday, November 9, the approval of the National Task Force’s (NTF) Philippine National Vaccine Roadmap by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr, who discussed details of the vaccine roadmap in his press briefing, said that the roadmap is in preparation for the […]
PH logs over 11K Covid-19 recoveries on Sunday
MANILA, Nov 9 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday logged 11,430 new recovered cases, bringing the overall tally of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) recoveries nationwide to 361,638. As of 4 p.m. Sunday, the DOH also reported 2,442 new confirmed cases and 54 new deaths. These figures bring the total number of active cases […]
PH logs over 11K Covid-19 recoveries on Sunday
MANILA, Nov 9 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday logged 11,430 new recovered cases, bringing the overall tally of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) recoveries nationwide to 361,638. As of 4 p.m. Sunday, the DOH also reported 2,442 new confirmed cases and 54 new deaths. These figures bring the total number of active cases […]
Philippines may start COVID-19 vaccination by May 2021 — Galvez
MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines may start inoculating COVID-19 vaccines to the public by May next year if everything will go according to plan, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, who was recently tapped to lead the importation and distribution program, said Thursday. In the timetable proposed by Galvez, the Philippines will place an advance […]
Philippines logs 987 new COVID-19 cases, total at 388,137
MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally rose to 388,137 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 987 new cases, the lowest since July, partly due to the impact of Typhoon Rolly. “The relative low report in the new cases is part of the effects of the Typhoon […]
Galvez appointed vaccine czar
MANILA, Nov 3 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has designated national policy against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. as “vaccine czar” to ensure that the Philippines has access to a potential Covid-19 vaccine once available. In a Cabinet meeting on Monday, Duterte said he wanted Galvez to be the sole person […]
No changes in quarantine classifications for November –Palace
MANILA, Oct 30 (Mabuhay) — The government’s COVID-19 task force stood by its decision to place Metro Manila and six other areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) next month, Malacañang said Friday. Aside from Metro Manila, the cities of Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban and Iligan, as well as the provinces of Batangas and Lanao del Sur […]
FDA’s Domingo: Expert panel evaluating Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial application
MANILA, Oct 30 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine’s Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) is currently reviewing the application of an Australian pharmaceutical company for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in the country, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director-general Eric Domingo said on Friday. “There’s a number three company that has shown interest in doing clinical trials here in […]
DOH: Clinical trials for WHO-led COVID-19 vaccine effort to start in December
MANILA, Oct 26 (Mabuhay) — Phase 3 clinical trials for the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trial in the Philippines will start in December, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. “Iyong WHO, nag-announce na po na mag-uumpisa po ang clinical trial by December 2020,” Vergeire said in an online forum. “Nagbigay po ng commitment […]
BI lifts antigen test for outbound Filipinos; more foreigners allowed entry
MANILA, Oct 26 (Mabuhay) — Filipinos leaving the country will no longer be required to have an antigen test for COVID-19 starting next week while more foreign nationals will be allowed entry to the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced Sunday. In a statement, the BI said the antigen test requirement for those leaving […]
20M Pinoys to initially get Covid-19 vaccine once available
MANILA, Oct 23 (Mabuhay) — The government targets to immunize an initial 20 million Filipinos once the vaccine for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is available in the country, National Policy against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Thursday. Galvez said the government has formed a task group on vaccination composed of the Department […]
PH Covid-19 recoveries climb to 311,506
MANILA, Oct 22 (Mabuhay) — The total number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) recoveries nationwide has reached 311,506 with 911 new recovered cases reported on Wednesday. In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) also reported 1,509 new confirmed cases, pushing the overall tally of active cases to 43,990. Of the active cases, […]
Christmas parties prohibited in Metro Manila, Philippines’ GCQ areas
MANILA, Oct 20 (Mabuhay) — Christmas parties are prohibited in Metro Manila this year after mayors agreed to place the entire region under general community quarantine until the end of the year, the government said Tuesday. Mass gatherings remain barred in GCQ areas under the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19. Metro Manila […]
Metro Manila allows 18 to 65-year-olds to go out amid COVID-19 threat
MANILA, Oct 20 (Mabuhay) — Metro Manila mayors eased the age restriction on persons allowed to go out of their homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). In a Palace briefing on Monday, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia explained that the mayors will ease the restriction gradually since the […]
DOST expects VCO trial results will be released 2nd week of November
MANILA, Oct 17 (Mabuhay) — Results of the clinical trials on the efficacy of virgin coconut oil (VCO) against the coronavirus disease 2019 are expected to be released by the second week of November, the Department of Science and Technology said Saturday. “After today ay ia-analyze na ‘yung data. Siguro second week of November alam […]
Travel agencies, tour operators now allowed in GCQ areas
MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — Travel agencies, tour operators, reservation services, and other related activities are allowed to operate in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) at limited capacity starting Friday. This came after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued Memorandum Circular 20-53 dated October 14 that re-categorizes the said travel and tourism-related […]
Gov’t allows resumption of non-essential outbound travel of Filipinos
MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — The government’s COVID-19 task force has lifted the restriction on non-essential outbound travel of Filipinos, Malacañang announced on Friday. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the policy will be effective on October 21. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) earlier suspended the implementation of this policy. […]
Palace assures Covid-19 vaccine’s affordability
MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — Even if the government could not provide free coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines to all Filipinos, Malacañang on Thursday said it is confident that the vaccines would be affordable to many Filipinos. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after President Rodrigo Duterte said it would be “ideal” for every Filipino […]
WHO hopes Philippines can tap up to 4k volunteers for Solidarity Trial
MANILA, Oct 12 (Mabuhay) — The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday expressed hope that the Philippines will increase the number of participants for the WHO-sanctioned COVID-19 vaccine trial scheduled to begin later this month. At the Laging Handa briefing, WHO Representative to the Philippines Rabindra Abeyasinghe said the Philippines is currently looking at around […]
DOST gears up for Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials
MANILA, Oct 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as the lead agency of the Inter-Agency Task Force’s sub-technical working group on vaccine development, is currently preparing for World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trial for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine. In a taped DOST report aired Friday afternoon, DOST Secretary Fortunato […]
‘Vaccine hesitancy’ has dropped in Philippines, says Duque
MANILA, Oct 10 (Mabuhay) — The apprehensions of Filipino parents to have their children vaccinated have already died down, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Friday. “Kung pagbabatayan natin ang immunization coverage ng polio last year, mukhang ‘yung vaccine hesitancy bumagsak na,” Duque told senators as he defended the proposed P203.74 billion budget of the […]
18,065 new Covid-19 recoveries bring total to over 273K
MANILA, Oct 5 (Mabuhay) — A total of 18,065 new recoveries from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) were reported Sunday, pushing the total number of recoveries nationwide to 273,079. In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) also reported 3,190 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of active cases to 43,642. Of […]
PRRD ‘most hopeful’ about potential China-made vaccine
MANILA, Oct 2 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo R. Duterte is “most hopeful” about the potential coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine being developed by China, Malacañang said Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte prefers a China-made vaccine even as several countries are on a race to be the first to come up with a vaccine […]
PH Covid-19 recoveries climb to 254,223; active cases now 54,294
MANILA, Oct 2 (Mabuhay) — Some 771 new recoveries from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) were reported Thursday, pushing the total number of recoveries nationwide to 254,223. In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) also noted 2,415 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of active cases to 54,294. Of the active […]
PH Covid-19 recoveries now 253K, active cases rise to 52,702
MANILA, Oct 1 (Mabuhay) — The country’s total number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) recoveries rose to 253,488 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 585 new recoveries. In its latest case bulletin, the DOH also noted that 2,426 new infections were reported on Wednesday, pushing the number of active cases to 52,702. Of the […]
MGCQ status for Metro Manila in November not impossible — Palace
MANILA, Oct 1 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang is not ruling out the possibility that Metro Manila may shift to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in November. “It is not an impossibility dahil talaga naman po napababa natin [ang COVID-19 cases] pero nasa kababayan pa rin natin ‘yan sa Metro Manila. Alam na po natin ang […]
Boracay reopening allows work resumption for tourism sector
MANILA, Sept 29 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Monday clarified that the reopening of Boracay Island did not mean that the country is already safe from the threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). In a virtual Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the reopening of the famous beach island would support tourism industry workers and businesses […]
Covid-19 cases drop due to ‘One Hospital, Oplan Kalinga’
MANILA, Sept 29 (Mabuhay) — The downward trend in the weekly average number of reported new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections may be due to the recalibrated strategies implemented by the government, a health official said Monday. In a virtual media forum, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that the number of […]
Easing NCR GCQ may lead to COVID-19 surge around Christmas, experts say
MANILA, Sept 26 (Mabuhay) — The country’s number of COVID-19 cases reported daily are on a downward trend but experts from the OCTA research team warned the national government against prematurely downgrading community quarantines particularly in Metro Manila. In its latest report, the OCTA team said that the premature downgrade of the quarantine status in […]
DILG chief to meet with Metro mayors on fate of GCQ
MANILA, Sept 26 (Mabuhay)– Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday said he will meet with Metro Manila mayors on Sunday to discuss the fate of the general community quarantine (GCQ) status in the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. “Doon namin tatalakayin ‘yan, papakinggan natin kung ano ‘yung recommendation ng buong Metro Manila […]
FDA yet to receive any application for phase 3 trial of COVID-19 vaccine
MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet received any applications from COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to hold phase 3 trials in the Philippines, FDA Director General Eric Domingo said Thursday. Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine and the one being developed by Johnson and Johnson have not yet reached the FDA. […]
Avigan trial still awaiting finalization of legal documents –DOH
MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) — The clinical trials for anti-flu drug Avigan as a treatment for COVID-19 has yet to start in the Philippines because some legal documents are still being ironed out, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Friday. “We are just waiting for the finalization of the documents, ‘yung clinical trial agreement at […]
Iloilo placed under MECQ from Sept. 25-Oct. 9
MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) — Iloilo City has reverted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from Sept. 25 to Oct. 9 following the spike in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, Malacañang said Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement after local officials sought to place the city under a stricter form […]
NCR is flattening COVID-19 curve –UP expert
MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) — Experts from the University of the Philippines on Tuesday said that transmissions of COVID-19 in the country had slowed with Metro Manila flattening the curve of its infections. “The R for the Philippines is .92 and the R for (National Capital Region) is .83. These numbers are below 1 which […]
Areas with zero COVID-19 transmission should be classified under new normal — Roque
MANILA, Sept 22 (Mabuhay) — Areas that have registered zero transmission of COVID-19 in a month should be classified under “new normal,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Monday. Roque said his colleagues at the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases were receptive to the idea of reintroducing the new normal classification […]
COVID-19 vaccine may be available in Philippines 2nd quarter of 2021 — DOH
MANILA, Sept 22 (Mabuhay) — The purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by the Philippine government may only begin in the second quarter of 2021 as foreign manufacturers continue development and trials to ensure their safety and efficacy, the Department of Health (DOH) said. “We need to ensure that all of these vaccines are safe […]
PH Covid-19 case count up by 3,475; recoveries now over 230K
MANILA, Sept 22 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 3,475 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the country’s overall tally to 290,190 with only 54,958 active cases. Of the active cases, about 86.6 percent are mild, 8.9 percent are asymptomatic, 1.4 percent are severe, and 3.1 percent are in critical […]
PH Covid-19 cases rise by 3,311; recoveries now 229,865
MANILA, Sept 21 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 3,311 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the country’s overall tally to 286,743 with only 51,894 active cases. Of the active cases, it said that about 86.6 percent are mild, 8.7 percent are asymptomatic, 1.4 percent are severe, and 3.3 percent […]
Palace says worst of Covid-19 is over
MANILA, Sept 17 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Wednesday claimed that the worst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis is over since the country has been able to improve its healthcare capacity significantly. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque responded to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that more Filipinos believe that “the worst of […]
Palace appeals to public: Give ‘staycations’ amid COVID-19 crisis a chance
MANILA, Sept 14 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Monday appealed to the people to give the government’s latest policy allowing hotels to offer “staycations” a chance as the tourism industry suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended the new policy amid concerns it may increase the risk […]
PH Covid-19 cases rise to 265,888; recoveries now 207,504
MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 4,699 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the country’s overall tally to 265,888 with only 53,754 active cases. Of the active cases, it said that about 88.4 percent are mild, 8.2 percent are asymptomatic, 2.1 percent severe, and 2.2 percent are […]
Duterte prefers Russia, China’s COVID-19 vaccines as other firms ask for advance payment
MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) — Some pharmaceutical companies are asking the Philippines to pay in advance for vaccines that are still under development to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday. Duterte slammed the “profit, profit, profit” mindset of Western companies in a televised briefing from Malacañang. […]
Palace appeals to public: Give ‘staycations’ amid COVID-19 crisis a chance
MANILA, Sept 14 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Monday appealed to the people to give the government’s latest policy allowing hotels to offer “staycations” a chance as the tourism industry suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended the new policy amid concerns it may increase the risk […]
Philippines logs 3,372 more COVID-19 cases; total at 261,216
MANILA, Sept 14 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally leaped to 261,216 on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 3,372 new infections, marking the sixth straight day in which more than 3,000 new cases were reported. Metro Manila still logged the highest number of new infections at 1,307, followed by […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 cases top 245,000 with 3,176 new infections
MANILA, Sept 10 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections rose to 245,143 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 3,176 new cases. Metro Manila still recorded the highest number of new infections at 1,327, followed by Batangas with 260, Laguna with 193, Rizal with 176, and Negros Occidental […]
1.5K Pinoys in UAE join Sinopharm’s vaccine clinical trials
MANILA, Sept 10 (Mabuhay) — Some 1,500 Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in Sinopharm’s clinical trial for its candidate vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Chinese Embassy in Manila confirmed Wednesday. In a statement quoting Ambassador Huang Xilian, the Embassy said the 1,500 Filipinos are among the more than 30,000 […]
Philippines allows use of antigen test to detect COVID-19
MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines has allowed the use of the antigen test that detects cases of COVID-19 rapidly, Malacañang said Tuesday. The antigen test may be used as a pre-boarding requirement for asymptomatic domestic tourists before departure and travel to tourist destinations or as a requirement upon entry at the place of […]
Duterte says Philippines has flattened curve in COVID-19 cases
MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday declared that the Philippines has “flattened the curve” in its campaign against the spread of COVID-19 in the country. “We had obedience and people followed that meant a lot and contributed to what is happening now that there’s a flattening of cases,” Duterte said on […]
DOH hopes to start Avigan trial in coming weeks
MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) — The clinical trial for the Japanese antiviral drug Avigan is expected to begin in the next few weeks once the Department of Health (DOH) finalizes the necessary documents for the research. “Hindi pa nauumpisahan ‘yong Avigan trial natin… Atin pong minamadali ang pag-proseso ng mga dokumento, hopefully in the coming […]
No new, more dangerous SARS-CoV-2 strain in PH — DOH
MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) — Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday belied reports that a new and more fatal SARS-CoV-2 strain, the virus causing coronavirus disease (Covid-19), has been spreading in the country. “There is no new strain of the virus here in the Philippines. It is very dangerous and irresponsible to say that […]
3.7K new Covid-19 cases, new recoveries at 1,088 — DOH
MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 3,714 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the country’s total active cases at 67,786. In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the DOH said the National Capital Region (NCR) reported the highest number of new cases at 1,797; followed by Negros […]
Russia says Philippines may manufacture anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) –Russia is open to the Philippines producing locally the anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, an official of its embassy in Manila said on Thursday. Tatiana Shlychkova, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Russian Embassy in the Philippines, said Russia proposed three options for the Philippines to acquire the vaccine. One […]
1,987 new Covid-19 cases, recoveries now over 159K
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported 1,987 new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 228,403 with only 64,207 active cases. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 91 out of 113 operational laboratories. It reported that […]
2,218 new Covid-19 cases, recoveries now over 158K — DOH
MANILA, Sept 3 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 2,218 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 226,440 with only 64,207 active cases. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 102 out of 110 operational laboratories. It reported […]
Philippines logs 3,483 new COVID-19 cases, total soars to 224,264Philippines logs 3,483 new COVID-19 cases, total soars to 224,264
MANILA, Sept 2 (Mabuhay) — The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally of the Philippines leapt to 224,264 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 3,483 new infections, marking the seventh straight day in which more than 3,000 new cases were reported. Metro Manila still logged the highest number of new infections at 1,824, […]
Delay hits start of Avigan clinical trials in Philippines
MANILA, Sept 2 (Mabuhay) — The clinical trials for anti-flu drug Avigan did not start as scheduled on Tuesday, September 1, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday. Vergeire said this was because three hospitals participating in the clinical trials have yet to finish their ethics review on Avigan. “Hindi ito naumpisahan kahapon kasi nagkaroon […]
Duterte retains GCQ for NCR; Iligan under MECQ
MANILA, Sept 1 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) to retain Metro Manila and two nearby provinces under general community quarantine (GCQ). Duterte said the provinces of Bulacan and Batangas along with the cities of Tacloban and […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally now over 220k with 3,446 new cases
MANILA, Sept 1 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally soared to 220,819 after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 3,446 new infections on Monday, the sixth consecutive day in which more than 3,000 new cases were reported. The five provinces with the highest number of new infections were Metro Manila with 1,900, […]
PH logs 4,284 new Covid-19 cases; recoveries rise by 22,319
MANILA, Aug 31 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 4,284 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 217,396 with only 56,473 active cases. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 100 out of 110 operational laboratories. It reported […]
Lagundi clinical trials get FDA nod — DOST chief
MANILA, Aug 29 (Mabuhay) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the clinical trials for the local herb lagundi as a mode of adjuvant therapy, the chief of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Friday. “It was earlier approved by the DOST, and now the FDA also approved the conduct […]
4K new Covid-19 infections, active cases nearing 72K — DOH
MANILA, Aug 29 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 3,999 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the country’s total active cases to 71,745. In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the DOH said the areas with the highest number of reported infections were the National Capital Region (NCR) with 2,097 […]
UP experts’ new projection: 330k to 375k COVID-19 cases by Sept. 30
MANILA, Aug 28 (Mabuhay) — The number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippine may rise to up to 375,000 by the end of September, according to the newest projection made by experts from the University of the Philippines. In their August 27 forecast report, the UP-OCTA research team said the projected total number of cases […]
Philippines logs 3,249 new COVID-19 cases, total rises to 205,581
MANILA, Aug 28 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines now has 205,581 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,249 new infections on Thursday. Metro Manila still logged the highest number of new cases at 1,584, followed by Cavite with 147, Laguna with 143, Negros Occidental with 140, and Batangas with […]
Cheaper saliva test for COVID-19 a ‘game changer,’ says Project ARK leader
MANILA, Aug 27 (Mabuhay) — Project Antibody Rapid Test Kit (ARK), the private-sector-led initiative that aims to boost the country’s capacity to identify and contain COVID-19, on Thursday said it working to bring to the Philippines the “antigen saliva test” for faster and cheaper detection of the coronavirus. “Ginagawa ito sa Israel at sa San […]
PH logs 5.2K new Covid-19 cases; recoveries rise to 133K
MANILA, Aug 27 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 5,277 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 202,361 with 65,764 active cases. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 95 out of 109 operational laboratories. It reported that […]
PH logs 2,965 new Covid-19 cases; recoveries now 132,396
MANILA, Aug 26 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 2,965 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the country’s overall tally to 197,164 with 61,730 active cases. According to the DOH, the additional cases were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 95 out of 109 operational laboratories. Of the […]
PH Covid-19 cases rise by 4,686; recoveries now 132,042
MANILA, Aug 25 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 4,686 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 194,252 with only 59,200 active cases. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 95 out of 109 operational laboratories. It reported […]
Avigan trials in PH still hasn’t started — DOH
MANILA, Aug 24 (Mabuhay) — The clinical trials for the anti-flu drug Avigan as possible treatment for COVID-19 has yet to start in the Philippines for various reasons, a health official said Monday or a week since the experiment is supposed to have begun. “Ang Avigan trial natin, hindi pa sya nag-uumpisa. Supposedly, it was […]
PH Covid-19 cases rise by 2,378; recoveries climb to 131,367
MANILA, Aug 24 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 2,378 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 189,601 with 55,236 active cases. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 99 out of 109 operational laboratories. It also noted […]
3 million unreported COVID-19 cases a ‘stretch,’ says UP prof
MANILA, Aug 22 (Mabuhay) — The estimation that three million Filipinos with COVID-19 remained under the radar from April to June was rather unlikely, Professor Guido David from the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Mathematics said Friday. “Maybe I could buy that there were more cases than what was reported, particularly in certain demographic […]
4.7K new Covid-19 infections; active cases now 64.9K
MANILA, Aug 22 (Mabuhay) –The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 4,786 new infections of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the country’s active cases at 64,906. In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the DOH said the new cases bring the country’s total to 182,365, noting that the region with the highest number of new […]
Philippines logs 4,339 new COVID-19 cases, total tops 178,000
MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines now has 178,022 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,339 new infections on Thursday, marking the third straight day in which more than 4,000 new cases were reported. Metro Manila, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, still logged […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally soars past 173,000 with 4,650 new cases
MANILA, Aug 20 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally soared to 173,774 after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,650 new infections on Wednesday, the eighth consecutive day in which over 3,000 new cases were logged. The five provinces with the highest number of new infections were Metro Manila with 3,092, Cavite […]
DOH still studying if G strain of virus caused spike in COVID-19 cases
MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) — The increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country cannot be traced yet to the presence of the G variant of SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—even if such variant has already been spotted in June, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. The Department of Health (DOH) official made the clarification […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 cases breach 169,000 with 4,836 new infections
MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines leapt to 169,213 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,836 new infections, marking the seventh straight day in which more than 3,000 new cases were reported. Metro Manila still logged the highest number of new cases […]
Duterte places NCR, 4 nearby provinces back to less strict GCQ
MANLA, Aug 18 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday night approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to put Metro Manila and four nearby provinces back to less restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ). In his public address in Davao City, Duterte said aside from […]
Covid-19 cases rise by 3,314; recoveries climb to 112,759
MANILA, Aug 18 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 3,314 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 164,474. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 91 out of 105 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases were […]
DOH logs 40K new Covid-19 recoveries; new cases rise by 3,420
MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 3,420 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 161,253. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 99 out of 105 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases were […]
PH imposes temporary ban on chicken imports from Brazil
MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry meat from Brazil as a precautionary measure after the detection of SARS-COV-2, the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in chicken wings imported from the country. The ban was contained in a memorandum […]
BI: Visa-holding foreign spouses of Filipinos can still enter Philippines
MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday clarified that foreign spouses of Filipinos can enter the Philippines if they have existing valid visas. “If you are married to a Philippine citizen and a holder of a valid visa that you obtained from the Bureau, you may enter the country without […]
6.2K new Covid-19 cases; PH total now 153K — DOH
MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) reported 6,216 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Friday, with the country’s total now reaching 153,660. In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the DOH said the new infections bring the number of active cases nationwide to 79,813, with the majority of new cases […]
PH in talks with at least 16 COVID-19 vaccine developers – DOH
MANILA, Aug 14 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Friday said the government is in talks with more than a dozen COVID-19 vaccine developers as the country continues to grapple with the fast-spreading disease. “We have about 16 vaccine manufacturers na may different stages ng pag-uusap (that are in different stages of talks),” Health […]
4,002 new cases bring Philippines’ COVID-19 tally over 147,000
MANILA, Aug 14 (Mabuhay) — There are now 147,526 Filipinos nationwide infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,002 new cases on Thursday, the second day in a row in which over 4,000 new infections were reported. The bulk of the newly reported cases still hailed from the epicenter […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally tops 143,000 with 4,444 new cases
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases jumped to 143,749 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,444 new infections. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 2,618, Laguna with 233, Cavite with 227, Rizal with 174, and Bulacan […]
Sputnik V availability in Philippines seen by April 2021
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) — Russia’s anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V could be available for commercial use in the Philippines by April 2021, a Philippine official who recently met with Russian authorities said Thursday. Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of Philippine Council for Health Research, was part of a team of Philippine health and vaccine experts […]
Beijing welcomes FDA approval of Chinese traditional medicine
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) — The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday welcomed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Lian Hua Qing Wen, a China-manufactured herbal medicine. In a statement, the Embassy said this marks an “important progress” in the entry of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products into the Philippine market. The Embassy […]
PH Covid-19 cases rise by 2,987 to 139,538; recoveries now 68,432
MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 2,987 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 139,538. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 74 out of 99 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases are […]
DOST to lead clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccine from Russia
MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will lead the clinical trials for a coronavirus virus (Covid-19) vaccine developed and offered to the Philippines by the Russian Federation, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday. In a message to reporters, the DOH said the DOST is the lead agency […]
PRRD accepts Russia’s CoVid-19 vaccine offer
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday accepted the offer of Russia to supply the Philippines with its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines once mass production starts. In a public address in Davao City, Duterte said he is “very happy” by the news that Russia would provide vaccines free of charge. “Maligayang-maligaya […]
PH logs record 6,958 new Covid-19 cases
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported record-high 6,958 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 136,638. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 74 out of 99 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases […]
Duterte’s dilemma: After Russian vaccine, can I get COVID-19 shots from other countries?
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte is facing a “dilemma” on coronavirus vaccine clinical trials, Malacañang said Tuesday after the chief executive volunteered to be immunized with Russia’s newly developed drug. Duterte on Monday night welcomed Moscow’s offer to supply Manila with COVID-19 vaccines, saying he would volunteer to be inoculated in public […]
DOH earmarks initial P2.4 billion for purchase of vaccine vs. COVID-19
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health has initially allocated P2.4 billion for the purchase of vaccine against COVID-19 under its proposed budget for 2021, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. “We allocated P2.4 billion for purchase of COVID-19 vaccine. We don’t know how much we can be able to procure, pero […]
DOH warns vs. illegal trade of recovered Covid patients’ plasma
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) strongly reminds the public against the buying and selling of convalescent plasma of recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients. Studies have shown that it could pose serious risks to patients, who may contract transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) such as HIV, hepatitis and malaria. The reminder to […]
PH Covid-19 tally nears 130K; recoveries rise to 67,673
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 3,109 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, pushing the overall tally to 129,913. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 82 out of 99 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases came […]
Philippines reports 3,379 new COVID-19 cases; total at over 122K
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country rose to 122,754 on Friday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,379 new infections of which 2,298 are “fresh” or newly validated and 1,081 are late. This marks the ninth consecutive day where over 3,000 new cases were […]
One time, big time lockdown needed to flatten virus curve — Leachon
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — A former adviser to the government task force on COVID-19 response on Saturday said that a one time, big time lockdown is still needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic as infections continued to surge in the country. Dr. Tony Leachon, who left the national task force on pandemic response in […]
Philippines’ total COVID-19 cases near 120,000-mark
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — Coronavirus infections in the Philippines reached 119,460 on Thursday as the country’s health department reported 3,561 additional COVID-19 cases. This marks the eighth consecutive day during which over 3,000 new cases were reported. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 2,041, Laguna with […]
August 10 start of Avigan trials in Philippines not yet final, DOH clarifies
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that the August 10 start of clinical trials in the Philippines of the Japanese anti-viral flu drug Avigan is not yet final, saying legal documents have yet to be finalized. “Yung una sinabi namin August 10 tayo mag-start pero hindi pa kasi namin, hindi […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally leaps to 115,980, highest in Southeast Asia
MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines now has the highest number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases across Southeast Asia, overtaking Indonesia, after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,462 new infections on Wednesday for a total of 115,980. Indonesia, on the other hand, has logged 115,056 cases as of Tuesday. The Philippines also […]
Philippines logs record-high 6,352 new COVID-19 cases, total up to 112,593
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines once again broke its own record for the highest number of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in a single day after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 6,352 new infections on Tuesday, bringing the total to 112,593. This is the first time that over 6,000 new cases […]
3,226 new cases bring Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to 106,330
MANILA, Aug 4 (Mabuhay) — There are now 106,330 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 3,226 new cases on Monday. This marks the fifth day in a row during which new infections breached the 3,000 mark after four straight days of record-high new cases. The […]
No shoot to kill order vs. quarantine violators, PNP chief Gamboa assures public
MANILA, Aug 4 (Mabuhay) — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa assured the public Tuesday ensured that there is no shoot to kill order against quarantine violators amid the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas. “Shoot to kill? Wala naman, baka lang to emphasize things…” Gamboa […]
Health workers’ frustration expected after Duterte lambasted plea for ‘timeout’ — Lacson
MANILA, Aug 4 (Mabuhay)– Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday said frustration can be an expected emotional response from the medical frontliners who got castigated by President Rodrigo Duterte after publicly airing their request for a “time out.” “Kung sa kanila I heard libo ang tine-treat daily at exposed na exposed at maraming namatay sa kanila. […]
Philippine COVID-19 cases breach 100,000 with record-high 5,032 new infections
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 100,000 mark on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 5,032 more infections, the fourth all-time high in a row, bringing the total to 103,185. This marks the first time during which more than 5,000 new […]
PRRD heeds front-liners’ call; reverts NCR, other areas to MECQ
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has reverted Metro Manila to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from Aug. 4 to 18 as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the country exceeded 100,000. In a late-night public address on Sunday, Duterte approved the recommendation of his Cabinet to return to a more stringent quarantine status […]
Doctor urges 2-week NCR ECQ as ‘breather’ for exhausted frontliners
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) — The government should again place Metro Manila under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), even just for two weeks, to give health workers a time to recuperate from exhaustion due to the non-stop admission of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, Philippine College of Physicians Vice President Dr. Maricar Limpin said Friday. “Ang […]
DOH supports call of medical groups for proper quarantine enforcement
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said it supports the appeal of medical frontline workers to ensure that community quarantine is properly enforced. This was after health frontline workers asked the government to revert to a stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as the coronavirus disease infections continue to rise […]
Metro Manila should be placed under ECQ anew, Sotto and Lacson agree
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) — Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson both agree that Metro Manila should be placed again under the much stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as the cases of COVID-19 in the country continue to increase. The two senators issued separate statements in response to calls from medical professionals […]
Philippines logs 3,954 new COVID-19 cases, 38k recoveries
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — There are now 89,374 Filipinos infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the Department of Health (DOH) reported a record-high 3,954 new cases on Thursday, 1,320 of which were “fresh” or newly validated and 2,634 were reported late. This marks the first time that new cases breached the 3,000 […]
Duterte places Cebu City, keeps NCR under GCQ
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has downgraded the quarantine classification in Cebu City to a less restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ) from a more stringent modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). In a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 on Friday morning, Duterte also announced his decision to retain the GCQ status […]
20 million Filipinos to get free COVID-19 vaccine — Finance chief Dominguez
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay)– At least 20 million Filipinos will be provided with COVID-19 vaccine for free, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. At a briefing in Malacañang Thursday night and aired Friday morning, Dominguez said the government is capable of financing P20 billion worth of COVID-19 vaccines which are expected to be ready by […]
Palace thanks China commitment for Covid-19 vaccine access
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Thursday thanked China for its commitment to prioritize the Philippines’ request for immediate access to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine it is developing. In a virtual press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was glad that the mended relationship between Beijing and Manila yields positive results. “Nagpapasalamat po […]
UP experts project 150k COVID-19 cases by end of August
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — Experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) said Friday the number of COVID-19 cases in the country may reach 150,000 by the end of August. Almost double the current national case total, the projection reflects the “exponential growth” experts have talked about, Professor Ranjit Rye of the UP OCTA […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally tops 85,000 with 1,874 new cases
MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay) — The number of Filipinos infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breached the 85,000 mark on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,874 new cases, bringing the total to 85,486. This marks the 15th straight day during which at least 1,300 new infections were recorded. The five provinces with […]
78 Filipinos test positive for coronavirus in SoKor
MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay)– The Philippine Embassy in Seoul reported Wednesday that 78 Filipinos were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in South Korea. In a Laging Handa briefing, Charge d’Affaires Christian L. de Jesus said 34 of the 78 have already recovered and discharged from hospitals. “A total of forty-four are currently under treatment, […]
Metro Manila returning to MECQ not a ‘foregone conclusion’ –Palace
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — It remains to be seen whether Metro Manila will return to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) next month, Malacañang said Tuesday. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the possibility that the government will reimpose a stricter lockdown in the capital region was not a “foregone conclusion” since the case doubling […]
Fight vs. Covid-19 still ‘successful’ — Palace
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — Despite the spike in confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country, Malacañang on Wednesday said the fight against the novel coronavirus remains “successful”. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there are improvements in the government’s Covid-19 response because the country’s mortality rate is “still way below” the global average. […]
No reason to celebrate, UP’s Covid-19 forecast happened –Palace
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Wednesday said there is no reason to celebrate now, as it admitted that the country would not be able to beat the University of the Philippines’ (UP) prediction that coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections may breach 85,000 by July 31. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged that this time, […]
DOH: No second wave of COVID-19 yet despite increase in cases
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is yet to hit the Philippines despite the increase in the number of cases in the country, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. Vergeire made the declaration after COVID-19 cases breached 80,000 as of July 26, Sunday, and after four days straight of […]
Duterte should acknowledge shortcomings in COVID-19 efforts in SONA 2020 — IBON
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte should acknowledge the government’s shortcomings in addressing the coronavirus pandemic in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), research group IBON Foundation said Sunday. According to IBON Foundation executive director Sonny Africa, Duterte should recognize the weaknesses of the administration and ensure that steps are being […]
Philippines logs over 2,000 COVID-19 cases for 4th straight day
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally jumped to 80,448 on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 2,110 new cases, marking the fourth consecutive day over 2,000 new infections were reported. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 1,345, Cebu with […]
Duterte to undergo COVID-19 swab test on Sunday — Nograles
MANILA,July 25 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to undergo COVID-19 swab test on Sunday, July 26, a day before his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Saturday. “Baka tomorrow din siguro,” Nograles said when asked when Duterte will be tested. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said the […]
IATF okays PH participation in Covid-19 vaccine global access
MANILA, July 24 (Mabuhay) — The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the country’s participation in a global initiative that guarantees access to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines worldwide. “The members of the IATF likewise approved the participation of the Philippines in the Gavi Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access […]
2,200 new cases push Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to 74,390
MANILA, July 24 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines leapt to 74,390 on Thursday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 2,200 more infections, 1,314 of which were “fresh” or newly validated and 886 were reported late. This marks the ninth consecutive day where over 1,300 new infections […]
Ex-DOH chief says gov’t should be open to criticism over pandemic
MANILA, July 22 (Mabuhay) — A former Philippine health secretary on Tuesday urged the government to take criticisms “constructively” as officials come under increasing pressure to arrest the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, despite imposing one of the world’s longest lockdowns. A number of individuals have come under fire from authorities for […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 cases now over 83,000 with 1,678 new infections
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases topped 83,000 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,678 more infections, bringing the total to 83,673. This marks the 14th consecutive day during which more than 1,300 new cases were reported. The five provinces with the highest number […]
NCR still under GCQ; Cebu City eases to MECQ
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — After a month of being under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to a spike in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, Cebu City has eased to a less restrictive modified ECQ from July 16 to 31. President Rodrigo Duterte decided to downgrade the quarantine classification in Cebu City, Presidential […]
1,392 new cases bring Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to 58,850
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay)– The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rose to 58,850 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,392 more infections—512 “fresh” or newly validated and 880 reported late. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 708, Cebu with 198, Iloilo with […]
Duterte ‘unlikely’ to call for special session of Congress to pass Bayanihan 2 — Palace
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte will not likely call for a special session of Congress to pass the bill on the country’s COVID-19 recovery program, Malacañang said Wednesday. Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said the proposed measure will be deliberated after Congress resumes session on July 27. “I don’t think we will be […]
Duque claims Philippines has flattened COVID-19 curve then takes it back
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday claimed the Philippines has succeeded in flattening the curve amid the COVID-19 pandemic, only to take it back later and admitted that the number of cases is still rising. Duque made the pronouncements just two days after over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases were […]
80k COVID-19 cases in Philippines seen by end of July — UP expert
MANILA, (Mabuhay) –Th e total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines may breach the 80,000 mark by the end of July, according to an expert from the University of the Philippines Institute of Mathematics on Monday. “Tatama talaga ng 70,000 and higit pa. Ang lower estimate natin ngayon nasa 80,000 na eh, sa end […]
Contact tracers must have ‘investigative mindset,’ Magalong says
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Tracing czar and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday said contact tracers needed at this time of COVID-19 pandemic should have an “investigative mindset.” At a press briefing, Magalong said contact tracers, especially those conducting interviews among patients, are composed of medical personnel and police investigators. “Ang isa sa mga qualifications […]
DOH fails to report daily tally of COVID-19 cases on Sunday, cites ‘significant volume of data’
MANILA, July 13 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) announced late Sunday night that it will release the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case updates for July 12 on Monday morning instead, citing a “significant volume of data” that still needs to be processed. In a statement sent to reporters near midnight, hours after the […]
DOH cautiously accepted forecast of 100k COVID-19 cases by end-August
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health accepts the projection that the COVID-19 cases will reach 100,000 by the end of August but noted the estimate should be interpreted with ‘caution’. In a press conference on Wednesday, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire pointed out that some factors can still affect the scientific models used to […]
Covid-19 cases exceed 50K; recoveries now 12.5K
MANILA, July 9 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 2,539 additional coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the total to 50,359. In its case bulletin, the DOH said 617 of the additional cases are “late” or results belatedly reported that were only verified recently, while 1,922 are “fresh cases” or results […]
DFA: Philippines begins coordination with international partners for COVID-19 vaccine availability
MANILA, July 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday said the Philippine government has started coordinating with various international partners to ensure availability of potential vaccine against the deadly coronavirus for Filipinos. “Based on the gathered information by the department, collaboration with Philippine subsidiaries of vaccine developers, engagement with those overseas for […]
Pneumonia vaccine indirectly strengthens body vs COVID-19, says expert
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Vaccination against pneumonia helps the body indirectly strengthen itself against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a pediatric specialist. Dr. John Ong urged the Philippines to continue using the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 13 as the country grapples with the coronavirus menace. “If you are inoculated for pneumonia, you are indirectly […]
Duterte: PH still grappling against 1st wave of COVID-19
MANILA, July 8 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is still battling the first wave of COVID-19, President Rodrigo Duterte said early Wednesday, as the country’s coronavirus infections neared 48,000. “Have we arrived at the second wave? I don’t think so. We’re still grappling the first wave,” the President said in a streamed public briefing aired 1 […]
Almost 600 patients in PH participate in clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — There are now almost 600 patients in the Philippines enrolled in tho World Health Organization’s clinical trials for possible COVID-19 treatments, according to the Department of Health. The DOH released the information as two of the Solidarity Trial tracks were discontinued because the drugs were deemed ineffective. Based on DOH […]
DOH halts use of HIV drug combination for hospitalized COVID-19 patients
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health said Sunday it would stop the use of combination HIV drug lopinavir and ritonavir in its treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients following the World Health Organization’s move. The agency had also previously discontinued using anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. “Based on […]
Philippine COVID-19 tally tops 44,000 with record-high 2,434 new cases
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 44,000 mark on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported a record-high 2,434 more infections—1,147 “fresh” or newly validated and 1,287 reported late—bringing the total to 44,254. Total recoveries also rose to 11,942 after 489 more patients recovered […]
Palace says PH winning fight vs. Covid-19, disputes WHO report
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is winning the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said Monday, after the country defied the number of cases projected by a University of the Philippines (UP) study. “In terms of positivity rate, in terms of case-doubling rate, in case of mortality rate, we are winning. As, in fact, […]
Coronavirus causing COVID-19 is not weakening, San Lazaro Hospital doctor says
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — An official of the San Lazaro Hospital on Sunday belied claims that the coronavirus causing COVID-19 is losing its potency. San Lazaro Hospital’s Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Section chair Dr. Rontgene Solante added that the coronavirus can still spread easily. “Ang virus hindi humihina. Hindi nagbabago ang anyo. […]
Pinoys urged to have ‘courage, hope, optimism’ amid health crisis
MANILA, June 12 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on his fellow Filipinos to live with “courage, hope, and optimism” even as the country continues its battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Duterte made the call in a taped video message played during the 122nd Independence Day rites at the Rizal […]
US Embassy cancels visa services through July 3; resumption indefinite
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay)– The US Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday announced that it is cancelling all immigrant and non-immigrant visa interviews scheduled through July 3 due to the community quarantine implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the country. “We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable […]
Difficult for Philippines to achieve New Zealand’s zero COVID-19 feat — Palace
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay) — It will be difficult for the Philippines to achieve New Zealand’s feat of having zero COVID-19 cases, Malacañang said on Wednesday. In an interview with state-run PTV, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said zero cases would be difficult to attain given the Philippines’ population density, especially in urban centers like Metro […]
OFWs need to submit names, destinations before returning to PH
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay) — A new protocol will be implemented in the processing of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said returning OFWs will now be required to submit pertinent information to the agency before they leave their host countries. […]