Corona Virus Disease-19 Situation Report

By now the COVID-19, which has reached the pandemic level, has greatly affected everyone all over the world. The quick scan and survey of the latest Global Situation Report 54 (PDF) released by the World Health Organization as of March 14 at 10 AM:

- 153,527 Confirmed cases
- 5,733 Deaths
- 144 countries, areas and territories with cases

You may visit this interactive map of Novel Corona Virus (Covid-19) Situation.

And in the Philippines, the total number of reported cases went up to 144 with 12 deaths. The Department of Health seeks public cooperation. In a press release, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated:

 “Now it is our turn to do our part in mitigating the spread of the disease. The DOH earnestly asks for everyone’s cooperation. Our front line health workers and medical personnel are risking their safety to respond to the needs of the public, all we ask is for you to do your part: practice preventive measures, go on strict home quarantine if you are experiencing mild symptoms, and help halt the spread of fake news. The success of our measures to contain COVID-19 is hinged on your participation. We will get through this together,” the Secretary added.

“At this most trying time, our strongest weapon as a nation is Vigilance, Preparedness, and Solidarity. We are seeing these values at play now as DOH is receiving an influx of support from individuals and organizations who are willing to render assistance in any way they can. Let this be a reminder for all Filipinos to step up to the plate and heed the call for cooperation,” 

It is important to be aware of the implementation of the "Community Quarantine" tomorrow, March 17, Monday. The Inter-|Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) adopts several measures when our country raised the |Code Red Sub-Level 2 of COVID-19.

Almost all events have been cancelled and the movement going in and out of the National Capital Region will be restricted and monitored closely. The Mayors of Metro Manila or NCR has issued a curfew to limit movement within the region. 

Let us all help one another. Stay home and do your basic health improvement regimen. Avoid crowded places. 

Pray.

Post on COVID-19

By now, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has reached a pandemic level. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the rapid spread of COVID-19 outbreak as pandemic. Pandemic level can be understood easily with this description: "114 countries have reported that 118,000 have contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, known as SARS-CoV2. Nearly 4,300 people have died.

In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced on March 12 that the National Capital Region is to be placed on "community quarantine", playing with terms and intentionally avoiding "lock down" during his much awaited but delayed press briefing in Malacanan.

With the community quarantine following the WHO's directive for national governments to step up in addressing the virus' effect and death toll, there were so many questions arising from PRRD's press briefing.

The virus causes mild respiratory infections in about 80% of those infected, though about half will have pneumonia. Another 15% develop severe illness, and 5% need critical care.

How do we address this? Let us borrow from the many ways social media has reached us like Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Google's Gmail and Blogger, Twitter and many more.

Here is another one, this time an infographic on Effective hand washing:

Knowing the Corona Virus:

Let me share the message I sent to my Scholastic Basketball Camp-PIT Workouts players the other day:

"Hi PIT Camp family! Musta na? No classes and stay at home? Fear not the COVID-19 Virus. Here are some reminders:

1. Exercise regularly, twice a day. Morning and afternoon.

2. Eat healthy. Gulay, isda, prutas (veggies, fish, fruits). STAY away from sugary food and drinks. Mas madali kumapit ang mga bacteria sa sugar inside the body (bacterias like to stick with sweets especially inside the body).

3. Rest well. Sleep early and wake up early.

4. Drink Vitamins. Double-up on your Vitamin C intake.

5. Drink enough water. Stay hydrated.

6. There is a reason for school cancellation. May dahilan. Kasi kailangan ma-contain ang virus and one sure way is to avoid crowds. Stay home.

7. Pray. Pray unceasingly. Pray everytime you have the chance.

8. Follow what your parents and guardians are saying. Obedience is one virtue we all could learn and be protected from.

9. Social Media SHOULD NOT be Your MAIN source of information. Fact check. Always.

God bless all of us.

Coach Francis
Scholastic Basketball Camp