MANILA -- An official of the World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged Filipinos to do their part in slowing down and limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) by strictly observing social and physical distancing measures.
"The (Philippine) government is doing now what it has to do and it is now the responsibility of everyone to maintain physical distancing especially to people who are vulnerable... we need to make efforts as individuals, families, to protect the vulnerable in this phase," WHO Country Representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Tuesday.
On March 16, the government imposed a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to limit the spread of the disease which has, so far, no cure yet.
Abeyasinghe lauded the quick move, saying it was necessary to buy time to flatten the curve.
"We congratulate the Philippine government for the enhanced community quarantine. It is important in buying time to flatten the epidemic and reduce the phase of the outbreak and that gives time for the government and private hospitals to improve their preparedness," he said.
In the Philippines, there are 90 more persons infected with Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 552 as of 4 p.m. of March 24. There are 35 deaths and 20 recoveries.
During the month-long quarantine period, Filipinos are encouraged to stay home and observe social and physical distancing to keep the vulnerable ones such as the elderly and people with underlying health conditions from getting infected by the deadly virus.
In its health advisories, the Department of Health reminded the public to avoid crowded places and maintain a distance of one meter from another person, especially when going to supermarkets or drugstores. (PNA)
