Covid-19 cases drop due to ‘One Hospital, Oplan Kalinga’ By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
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.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (File photo)
In a virtual media forum, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that the number of new confirmed cases has gone down to at least 1,000 from 3,000 weekly average in the previous weeks. Vergeire said the “One Hospital Command” and “Oplan Kalinga” may have caused the downtrend. “It (One Hospital Command) has given a breather to our healthcare system. In the National Capital Region is the best example, we were able to decongest hospitals. We saw the healthcare utilization rate has gone down to level that’s still in the warning level but the healthcare system was able to manage and we’re able to open units in hospitals to accommodate patients,” she added.
She said the active surveillance of local government units also played an important part. “Big help also is the Oplan Kalinga, when the local government units see na hindi kaya ng mga pamilya na magkaroon ng home quarantine hinihikayat nila na magpunta nalang sa (families can’t afford to do home quarantine, they’re encouraged to go to) temporary treatment and monitoring facilities,” she said. Citing that there are specific places with increasing number of Covid-19 infections, Vergeire urged the public to remain vigilant in observing minimum health standards despite the observed downtrend in the number of new cases nationwide. (PNA) Sept. 26 - Oct. 02, 2020 |
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