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The number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is approaching the 5,000 mark, with the government about to begin a massive testing effort. Here are the stories that make ANC headlines today:
Begin testing
Is it too late for the government to start specific mass tests? High-risk patients and medical workers are a priority on testing, the Department of Health (DOH) said. Medical groups warn of false negatives from rapid test kits. Meanwhile, patients who will not share COVID-19 information with DOH would be penalized. President Duterte plans to deliver a public speech. ANC will report on what the president said.
Existing enhanced contracts
The Philippine Employment Administration Abroad (POEA) said the right to travel for health workers will have to come to the fore for now, as the country struggles with a pandemic. But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said nurses with perfected contracts existing abroad can leave. Panelo said a resolution by the Inter-Agency Working Group (IATF) on reconsidering the travel ban for health workers is still subject to approval by President Duterte.
Postponed graduation rites
There will be no graduation rites during the pandemic, Education Sec. Leonor Briones said. He explained that the rites are not canceled but are postponed until the blockade ends. Briones herself has tested negative after recently contracting the disease.
Financially capable
Finance Sec Carlos Domínguez said the Philippines is “financially capable” of stopping the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Dominquez said the country’s economy would either grow at zero growth or contract 0.8 percent this year. The government is also studying the possibility of resuming large infrastructure projects despite the closure.
Emergent care
With limited hospital capacity due to COVID-19, many are thinking of ways to address the lack of beds. ANCX talks to a group whose solution is to build fast and scalable structures that increase medical facilities in the country.
