Wednesday, August 18, 2021

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

Testing output remains low, but new cases exceed 11,000

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 01:56 AM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, reported more than 11,000 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as testing output remained low.

In its case bulletin, the DOH listed 11,085 new cases, 161 additional deaths and 11,628 new recoveries.

The daily positivity rate increased to 23.4 percent, but the testing output remained low at 46,644 on August 16.

Nine laboratories did not report their testing output to the Covid-19 Document Repository System.

The new cases brought the total case count to 1,776,495, after the removal of 265 duplicates that included 259 classified as recoveries.

The additional mortalities, which included 74 cases tagged as recoveries but validated to be deaths, raised the Covid-19 death toll to 30,623. The case fatality rate retreated further to 1.72 percent as more new infections that mortalities were recorded.

A total of 1,640,721 persons have been listed as recoveries, comprising 92.4 percent of the total case count.

Of the total Covid-19 cases, 105,151 were still active cases in hospitals and isolation facilities. (Marites Villamor-Ilano / SunStar Philippines)

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Rapid test kits worth P4.2M seized

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 01:36 AM PDT

AUTHORITIES on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, seized P4.2 million worth of rapid antigen test kits that were allegedly being sold online and arrested four individuals, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Wednesday, August 18.

PAF agents and the police seized a total of 21,000 rapid test kits during the operation in Pasig City. The four persons arrested were allegedly selling the kits online.

Charges for violation of FDA Act of 2009 in relation to FDA Advisory No. 2020- 016 or the Prohibition of Online Selling of FDA Certified COVID-19 Antibody Test Kits will be filed against the arrested persons.

Rapid antigen tests are conducted on close contacts of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. This test detects antibodies that show whether an individual is fighting off or has fought off an infection, not necessarily Covid-19. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)

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Report on DOH deficiencies did not state corruption, COA says

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 12:50 AM PDT

THE Commission on Audit (COA) said the release of the report on the deficiencies in the Department of Health's (DOH) use of P67.3-billion coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response funds is just part of the audit process to ensure that all public funds are accounted for.

In a statement, the COA said the release of the initial audit report on government agencies is part of the process in order to allow them to comply with the recommendations and rectify the deficiencies noted.

"The report itself does not mention any findings by the auditors of funds lost to corruption," it said.

The commission said the DOH has 60 days to submit necessary documentation in order to correct the deficiencies.

"As an example, some of the findings of deficiencies involving Covid-19 funds amounting to P67.3 billion resulted from the non-submission of documentation or supporting papers, which the DOH may still submit in compliance with the auditor's recommendation," it said.

"Of the P67.3 billion, P42.4 billion consisted of fund transfers to procurement/implementing partner-agencies without the required documentation. There is no finding that this amount cannot be accounted for. The breakdown of the P67.3 billion and the deficiencies found are clearly explained in Annexes IV and V of the Consolidated Annual Audit Report of the DOH," it added.

On Monday evening, President Rodrigo Duterte slammed the COA for releasing a premature report on DOH expenditures which put the agency in bad light as the public perceived that the funds were lost to corruption.

He said the COA should stop flagging as it "tainted" a person or a government agency with "corruption by perception."

Duterte attributed the deficiencies to incomplete documents and not corruption. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)

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Companions of seniors, immunocompromised persons now eligible for Covid-19 vaccine

Posted: 17 Aug 2021 11:23 PM PDT

SENIOR citizens and immunocompromised individuals may bring another household member, who shall also be eligible to receive a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Under the A2+1 and A3+1 household member vaccination strategy, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said a caregiver or relative living in the same house as a senior citizen may also get vaccinated.

"To encourage the senior citizens to receive the vaccine, the national government has allowed them to bring along a kasambahay or relative, or whoever lives in the same house with them," Vergeire said in a town hall session Wednesday.

Vergeire also said an immunocompromised person under priority group A3 may also bring another household member.

"Only those who are immunocompromised such as those suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy as well as those who underwent organ transplant may bring along another household member," she added.

The DOH All Experts Group, however, does not recommend pediatric vaccinations yet.

Vergeire said vaccinating the children may affect the vaccine supply intended for eligible groups, such as the senior citizens.

She said Covid-19 mortality and morbidity data across age groups do not show any urgency in vaccinating children at this time.

The DOH is sticking to the cocoon strategy that calls for vaccinating vulnerable adults to protect the children and general population.

The DOH experts also do not recommend booster shots at this time, Vergeire said.

"Vaccines alone do not stop transmission (of Covid19). Compliance to minimum public health standards and PDITR (prevent, detect, isolate, treat and reintegrate) strategy is more important in ending the pandemic," Vergeire said. (Marites Villamor-Ilano / SunStar Philippines)

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DOH experts push medical grade face masks

Posted: 17 Aug 2021 10:43 PM PDT

THE Department of Health (DOH) All Experts Group (AEG) is recommending the use of cloth masks or medical grade face masks as protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, in a town hall session Wednesday, August 18, 2021, said these are among the non-pharmacologic interventions listed under the Philippine Covid-19 living recommendations by the experts.

Other recommendations are face mask with face shield for goggles in areas with sustained community transmission, use of high efficiency particulate (Hepa) filters, selected N95 mask decontamination, and installation of protective physical barriers in areas where physical distancing can not be adhered to.

For healthcare workers not directly taking care of Covid-19 patients, the DOH recommends the use of properly fitted surgical masks, face shields or goggles, and standard personal protective equipment (PPE).

Another recommendation is the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces with appropriate agents.

On the other hand, Vergeire said DOH experts are recommending against ionizing air filters, foot baths, misting tents disinfection chambers and UV (ultraviolet) lamps outside of clinic or hospital setting.

Vergeire said a conditional recommendation has also been made against aerosol boxes during aerosol generating procedures such as intubation.

She also reiterated the existing policies on ventilation, such as conduct of activities in open-air spaces; achieve air change rate of 6 to 12 air changes per hour (ACH); use of exhaust, HVAC systems or Hepa filters; and open windows in public transport. (Marites Villamor-Ilano / SunStar Philippines)

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Former tabloid news chief shot dead

Posted: 17 Aug 2021 10:04 PM PDT

A FORMER tabloid news director was murdered inside her beauty salon in Quezon City on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

Philippine National Pollice (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar identified the victim as Gwenn Salamida, former news director of Remate. She was affiliated with Saksi Ngayon until her death.

Eleazar said Salamida was shot dead by an unidentified suspect, who barged into her salon in Barangay Apolonio Samson in Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon.

Her companion, who was also shot, remains in critical condition. They were reportedly cleaning the salon in preparation for its opening once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted.

Police are initially eyeing robbery as the motive behind the crime.

"I have tasked the Quezon City Police District to thoroughly investigate this incident. Lahat ng anggulo ay ating titingnan upang malaman ang tunay na motibo sa krimen at madakip ang salarin," said Eleazar. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)

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PNP chief orders probe on Camotes beach party

Posted: 17 Aug 2021 08:54 PM PDT

(UPDATED) Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, ordered the Central Visayas Police Regional Office (PRO 7) to look into a beach party, which may have been a super spreader event that contributed to a spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the Camotes Islands.

Eleazar issued the order after a video clip of the party on July 10, which was supposedly attended by some politicians, was posted online and sent to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

It showed some people who were not wearing face masks while partying. They also failed to observe physical distancing.

Eleazar did not name the politicians involved, but a complaint was filed against Cebu 5th District Representative Duke Frasco, Mike Villamor and Provincial Board Member Red Duterte "for holding and leading a social party in the evening of July 10, 2021 at the Santiago Public Beach in Barangay Santiago."

The complaint, dated August 13, was sent by an anonymous person to DILG Cebu Provincial Office Director Jhoaden Lucero.

It said the party followed the Friendship Ride/Run sponsored by Team Frasco on July 10. Duterte on the same day posted on social media about the Team Frasco Friendship Ride and Run at the Santiago Bay in San Francisco, Camotes Islands.

The complaint alleged that the event may have "caused or contributed" to the spike in Covid-19 cases on the island.

It further alleged that the event was held without clearance from the municipality and the barangay. The organizers also allegedly tapped illegally into a power line.

A copy of the video was also received by the office of DILG Secretary Eduardo Año from an anonymous complainant.

In July 2021, Camotes Islands and the entire Cebu Province were still under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Under the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, gatherings in MGCQ areas are allowed for up to 50 percent of the seating or venue capacity. But the participants must strictly comply with the minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields, and physical distancing.

Eleazar said he has directed the Cebu Police to conduct the investigation and coordinate with the local government unit (LGU).

"We will abide by the directive of our SILG Secretary Eduardo Año to investigate the said gathering, which may have violated minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols and could have been a super spreader event," Eleazar said in a statement Wednesday.

On August 16, the San Francisco Municipal Government posted on its Facebook page that there were 27 active Covid-19 cases in the town..

Pilar town reported 10 active cases on August 15 while Poro reported 20 active cases on August 18.

The Tudela LGU does not post its Covid-19 statistics, but town Mayor Greman Solante said in a social media post on August 17 that nine residents had died from Covid-19 since July.

Based on the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7) tracker, there were 11 active cases in Pilar, 26 in Tudela, 32 in Poro and 68 in San Francisco as of August 16.

Eleazar reminded the public that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is not over yet and minimum health standards must be strictly observed.

He stressed that mass gatherings that are potential super spreader events are prohibited.

Eleazar also encouraged the public to continue reporting to authorities violations of minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols.

"Ang insidenteng ito ay isinumbong lang ng isang concerned citizen. We urge the public to continue reporting to authorities incidents where minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols are violated," he said.

From August 6 to 17, Eleazar said a total of 516,767 quarantine protocol violators were apprehended by police across the country. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo, Marites Villamor-Ilano, Cherry Ann T. Lim)

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Over 12M fully vaccinated against Covid-19

Posted: 17 Aug 2021 03:14 AM PDT

A TOTAL of 12,565,017 individuals have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) all over the country, the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 reported on Monday, August 16, 2021.

As of August 15, a total of 27,806,881 doses have been administered nationwide, with first dose inoculations reaching 15,241,864.

For priority group A1 (healthcare workers), 1,854,154 or 93 percent of the targeted healthcare workers have been fully vaccinated while 515,070 were awaiting their second dose.

For group A2 (senior citizens), 3,691,663 senior citizens (A2 group) have received two doses or the single-dose vaccine, while 747,573 have been partially vaccinated.

For group A3, which consists of persons with comorbidities, 4,738,847 have been fully vaccinated while 1,609,682 have received one dose.

For workers under group A4, first dose inoculations have reached 2,473,011 while 1,883,695 have been fully vaccinated.

Under group A5 (indigent), 396,658 have been fully vaccinated while 787,294 got the first dose.

NTF chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said vaccinations slowed down due to the reimposition of stringent quarantine restrictions in various areas.

In Metro Manila, he said 6,354,901 or 66 percent of their targeted population have already received the first dose while 4,054,275 or 42.21 percent were already fully vaccinated.

"Sa ngayon po, ina-upscale din po namin ang Region XI (Davao). Tumawag po ang ating health officer ng Region XI, ng Davao, na gusto po nila na matapos na rin ang kanilang ano, ang kanilang herd immunity by October or November," said Galvez.

"So lahat po nito bibigyan po natin ng malalaking doses itong mga region pong ito para maka-catch up po sa Metro Manila. Kasi ganoon po ang ginagawa po natin na inuna natin ang Metro Manila pero hindi po natin kinakalimutan itong mga major centers po na ito," he added.

The Philippines has so far received a total of 42,575,350 doses of Covid-19 vaccines since February.

Of the total, 23,704,090 doses were procured by the national government, 2,935,000 doses were purchased by local government units and private sector, while 15,936,260 doses were donated.

Galvez said that by the end of August, the country is expected to have received more than 50 million doses.

He said four million doses more of Sinovac, one million doses of Sinopharm, at least 400,000 doses of Moderna and 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines are expected to arrive within the week. (SunStar Philippines)

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Covid-19 cases decline as testing output drops

Posted: 17 Aug 2021 02:58 AM PDT

AFTER three consecutive days of recording over 14,000 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) a day, the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, reported a decline in new infections as testing output dropped.

In its case bulletin, DOH listed 10,035 new cases, 96 additional deaths and 10,858 new recoveries.

Six laboratories were unable to submit their testing output on Sunday, August 15, resulting in a lower testing output of 38,243. Of these, 22.2 percent yielded positive results.

The new cases brought the cumulative case count to 1,765,675, of which 105,787 were active cases.

The DOH said 206 duplicates, including 201 recoveries, were removed from the case count.

The additional deaths, which included 39 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries but reclassified as deaths, raised the Covid-19 death toll to 30,462. The case fatality rate remained at 1.73 percent.

With the additional recoveries, the total number of patients who have been declared as recovered increased to 1,629,426. (Marites Villamor-Ilano / SunStar Philippines)

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