DOH observes slowdown in local COVID-19 transmissions

The rate of transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines is slowing down, a Department of Health (DOH) official said Wednesday, calling it a "good development."

"Nakikita natin 'yung doubling time ng sakit, 'yung oras para mag-doble ng numero ang kaso ng COVID-19, ay medyo bumabagal," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Unang Balita.

"Dati nasa three days tayo, ngayon limang araw na ang binibilang natin. Magandang senyales 'yan para sa ating lahat," she added.

Despite this development, Vergeire said there should still be no room for complacency.

"Kasi nakikita natin sa ibang bansa ngayon, may mga resurgent o biglang nagsa-spike ulit ang mga kaso nila pagkatapos nilang mag-lift ng mga stringent measures. Kailangan nating pag-aralan maigi ito at pag-usapan maigi," she said.

As of April 21, the Philippines has 6,599 COVID-19 cases, with 437 deaths and 654 recoveries, based on DOH data.

The Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine was implemented on March 17 and has been extended until April 30 as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to make a decision this week on whether to further extend the strict confinement measures in the region. --Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News