Dr. Ted Herbosa was not sure about the first wave of COVID-19. Due to relaxed quarantine laws, many government and department of health authorities have consistently cautioned of a potential “second outbreak” of COVID-19.
But, some experts have said they are not yet sure whether or not the world has passed through the first outbreak of infections.
Dr. Ted Herbosa, medical adviser to the COVID-19 National Task Force, gave response to the first wave.
He said that experts and scientists have differing views on whether the Philippines is or is still in the midst of a first wave of the pandemic.
“We don’t know (if the first wave is already moving through PH) ….” Hebosa said.
“There are some scientists who say we’ve already moved the first peak higher, that means we’ve bought time. So once we’ve opened up, the peak is going to go up.”
“And others also say that this is only the first wave that has just been postponed by about 50 days of ECQ (enhanced population quarantine),” he said.
“The other thing is that we’ve already flattened it. And then, the surge will come from other sources, from other sources,” he added.
The “reproductive number” of the viral disease is among the criteria experts review to test the country ‘s success in the COVID-19 war. Herbosa said the goal is to the the numbers to a value below one.
Metro Manila and Other High-Risk Area Should be More Careful
Metro Manila and other high-risk areas of COVID-19 were placed under a modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). To emphasize this point, it sees less stringent lockdown policies in a bid to reopen the economy gradually.
However, pictures of people swarming the malls on their first day of operation sparked concern for officials who cautioned against a “resurgence” of pathogens. In addition, if Filipinos do not obey appropriate protocols of space.
Many authorities and netizens around the country have raised the need for ramped up COVID-19 exams. It is the only way to isolate any affected easily, and to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus.
There are over 12,000 cases of coronavirus disease in the Philippines so far.