The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may reach up to 75,000 cases in 3 months if the virus is not contained, a Department of Health (DOH) official warned Wednesday.
“In two to 3 months, it can reach that peak kung saan 75,000 ang pwedeng magka infection. Pero we can flatten this curve, meaning kaya natin pigilan ang ganitong numero if we can implement stringent measures tulad ng social distancing,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing.
Inquirer reported that Vergeire based the figures from the estimates of DOH and the World Health Organization.
However, she said that the projection is still avoidable if appropriate measures such as strict social distancing will be observed.
The health official added that the reproduction rate of the virus can reach to a point where a COVID-19 carrier can pass the disease to two individuals in a single interaction.
“Ito po ay nakuha natin base po sa statistics na meron tayo ngayon among all cases across the globe. Sinasabi po na pwedeng magkaroon ng reproductive rate ang virus na one person (who) can transmit to two persons in just one sitting,” Vergeire expounded.
As of this posting, the Philippines has COVID-19 193 cases with 14 fatalities and seven recoveries.
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