The Department of Health (DOH) has just confirmed two new cases of novel coronavirus or COVID-19. As of today, 6th March 2020, the Philippines has a total of five confirmed cases.
During a press briefing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that among the latest COVID-19 cases, the first was a 48-year-old male Filipino who had traveled to Japan. The second case was a 62-year-old male Filipino in San Juan City — who has no travel history — but has visited a Muslim prayer hall frequently. The latter also has diabetes and hypertension as preexisting conditions.
There are Now 5 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in the Philippines
Before these latest couple of cases, there have been three confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, GMA News reported. All of them were tourists from China who arrived in the Philippines in January. Two of these patients have fully recovered, while one patient died.
The DOH, together with airline companies and the Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted contact-tracing among the people whom the initial three patients had interacted with, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Countries with the Highest Number of COVID-19 Cases
As of this writing, there are more than 98,400 confirmed cases and over 3,300 reported deaths due to COVID-19 worldwide. Majority of these cases are in mainland China, followed by South Korea, Italy, Iran, and Diamond Princess, a cruise ship that is currently docked in Japan.
As per Channel News Asia, here is a list of the countries or places with the highest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and reported deaths:
- China — 80,409 confirmed cases / 3,042 reported deaths
- South Korea — 6,284 confirmed cases / 40 reported deaths
- Italy — 3,858 confirmed cases / 148 reported deaths
- Iran — 3,513 confirmed cases / 107 reported deaths
- Diamond Princess (cruise ship) — 706 confirmed cases / 6 reported deaths
- France — 377 confirmed cases / 6 reported deaths
- Germany — 349 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
- Japan — 317 confirmed cases / 6 reported deaths
- Spain — 261 confirmed cases / 3 reported deaths
- United States — 145 confirmed cases / 12 reported deaths
- Singapore — 117 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
- United Kingdom — 115 confirmed cases / 1 reported death
- Hong Kong — 104 confirmed cases / 2 reported deaths
- Switzerland — 87 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
- Netherlands — 82 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
- Australia — 60 confirmed cases / 2 reported deaths
- Sweden — 60 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
- Kuwait — 58 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
- Norway — 56 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
- Belgium — 50 confirmed cases / 0 reported deaths
Aside from these places, confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus have been reported in other countries all over the world, including Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to increase around the world, let us all remain extra careful and vigilant, especially when it comes to our personal hygiene and travel plans. In addition, let us take the time to read these 10 myths and facts about the novel coronavirus.
Everyone is also advised to limit their travel plans overseas. However, if you really need to travel because of work, study, or other important reasons, please read these 9 tips for travelers to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as this list of places where Filipinos are currently not allowed to travel due to the novel coronavirus.