BULLETIN 20 - 26 June 2020
Today is Day 26 of the general community quarantine.
While we are glad that the NCR has been registering lower numbers of confirmed cases the past week, we are at the same time distraught that the epicenter of the country’s COVID cases has shifted to Eastern Visayas, in particular Cebu City. We learn from TV news of less stringent enforcement of the health protocols that probably have contributed to the rise in cases aside from the growing number of returnees to the provinces, not to mention an
unapproved health practice of steam inhalation. This development serves to remind each of us that while the road scene may seem to tell us that things are getting to the new normal (in fact heavy traffic is back to normal), the very root cause of what we are all experiencing, COVID-19 is still very much with us. The strategy has not changed - test, treat, trace - the 3 T’s, and the oft and repeated health advisories – face mask, hand hygiene, and physical distancing - will remain and should remain. We cannot at any moment let down an ounce of our guard. At the same time though, we need to continue with our lives in this new normal circumstances.
For the past week, we had a total of twenty-two (22) COVID admissions that included nine (9) suspects, six (6) probable and seven (7) confirmed cases. We transferred four (4) patients to the non-COVID ward. We were able to discharge seven (7) patients, three (3) probable and four (4) recovered. We had a total of six (6) mortalities – three (3) suspects, one (1) probable, and two (2) confirmed.
For today, we have a total COVID Care census of thirty (30) aside from seven (7) hospital quarantined staff.
Classification Total PHC Non-PHC
Confirmed 17 11 6
Suspect 8 0 8
Probable 5 0 5
With two (2) non-PHC mortalities added, our total mortality now is at sixteen (16), two (2) PHC and fourteen (14) non-PHC.
Mortality to date PHC Non-PHC
Total = 16 2 14
For our ER COVID Triage, one hundred forty-five (145) patients were seen since June 19 - June 25, giving us a total of one thousand five hundred sixteen (1,516).
PHILIPPINE HEART CENTER
Total ER Triage COVID Consultations to date 1,516
With four (4) more recoveries, our total number of recovered patients is at sixty-six (66), all of whom have been discharged.
Total No. of Recovered Patients Discharged Awaiting discharge
66 66 0
It is interesting how people’s social norms and behavior have been shaped by this ongoing pandemic. History again provides clues on how societal changes develop. Time was before the Tuberculosis outbreak, sharing cups or spitting in public were considered not unsanitary. But soon after, societal norms have changed, some irrevocably, others sadly temporarily.
What can this COVID-19 do perhaps to our societal norms and relationships? For one, clearly the use of face masks is now considered a civic responsibility, at least for those who choose to listen. For another, there is now an aversion towards face-touching. Thirdly, social distancing is now the norm. History has shown likewise that humans are fundamentally resilient, making adjustments in the short-term, but also falling back into old habits once an acute risk has passed. Even shaking of hands. It is said that if it were up to Anthony Fauci, we might never shake hands again. But history suggests that handshakes fraught with so much societal weight, come and go with waves of public scare.
While we are still in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, it would sit well with all of us to still hold on these changes that we have been forced into. Not even the seeming normalcy of the heavy traffic should lull us into thinking that things are so much better, that we can afford to be more lenient with our health protocols. We cannot and should not do so. Let life move on but let all the societal changes we have been adhering to stick on. COVID-19 is still in our corner and is still in this season, lest anyone forgets.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Psalm 46: 1-3.
Joel M. Abanilla, MD Executive Director
