Three more Filipinos— two senior citizens and a 26-year old—  are the latest additions which increased to 52 the number of confirmed cases for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines.

“Today, DOH reported 3 additional positive COVID-19 cases (PH50-52), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 52,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Duque said the DOH and deployed surveillance teams, in cooperation with concerned Local Government Units (LGUs), are now conducting extensive information-gathering and contact tracing activities on the new cases.

“So we continually ask the public to cooperate and help us in the investigation and contact tracing activities. Individuals with history of known exposure to a positive patient and/or travel to areas with local transmission, within and outside the country, presenting with mild symptoms are advised to self-isolate and be home quarantined for 14 days,” said Duque.

The Health Secretary  noted that those  presenting severe and critical symptoms need to be immediately admitted to health facilities.

“Let  us be responsible with our own health, family’s well being, and that of our community,”  said Duque.

Duque  described as still relatively low the number of confirmed cases in the Philippines as compared to other countries.

Meanwhile,  DOH also confirmed  the death of the confirmed COVID-19 patient with ID PH35.

This brings the total number of mortalities in the country to two,  including the first COVID-19 death in the Philippines last February 1. The first fatali was a Chinese from Wuhan, China.

PH35, who experienced symptoms on February 29, was admitted last March 5, 2020 at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital, and swabbed for testing on March 8.

The patient who tested positive on March 11 passed away around noon of the same day due to severe pneumonia.

The patient had existing medical conditions, namely hypertension and diabetes mellitus. PH35 was admitted together with her husband PH34 who remains confined in Manila Doctors Hospital.

“Our recent mortality have underlying medical conditions, making the patient extremely vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.

“So we reiterate that the best way to protect yourself from the disease is to keep yourself healthy and practice general preventive measures: proper handwashing, cough etiquette, and social distancing,”   he said.

Available data show that elderly people (average of 66 years) and those with underlying medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, and immunosuppression, are vulnerable to this disease.

“We further urge those who are immunocompromised and are with existing health conditions to be more vigilant and avoid crowded areas and mass gatherings.” he further said.

The DOH also describe the new COVID-19 patients as follows:  Patient 50- 69 years old;  Patient 51- 26 years olds; Patient 52- 79 years old who has a travel history to United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, a  total of 99 overseas Filipinos or those who were abroad, were found positive for COVID-19 as of March 11.

Of the total number, 27 of them were admitted  while e remaining 72 either recovered or discharged from health facility. They were in Japan aboard M/V Diamond Princess, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States- M/V Grand Princess.

Six foreigners who travelled to the Philippines were confirmed with COVID-19.

They were 2 Japanese–44 year male and 38 year old male; Australian- 60 year old, Australian, Singaporean, 40 year old male,  and South Koren- female , age not known./Stacy Ang