By Maria Rufina Salas
On May 6, 2020, Epidemiologist Dr. John Q. Wong[1] advised the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) that the country can expect a third wave of COVID-19 infections. This is dependent on regulations and preventive measures, including restrictions from quarantine from the government. In a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dr. Wong recommends, “To prevent the third wave, we have to observe all mitigation measures like physical distancing, hand hygiene, and frequent cleaning.” Dr. Wong also informs the IATF-EID that what will help us win our battle is to develop a vaccine against COVID-19.
In a report by the Manila Bulletin, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III says: “While the curve has [started to] flatten, we grab that opportunity to ramp up, to raise the health system’s capacity to be able to deal with the threat.” Dr. Wong reports that the curve[2] on COVID-19 cases in our country has started to flatten. Specifically, data recorded on positive cases, and number of deaths have increased its ‘doubling time’. See Department of Health (DOH) Press Release: “BEYOND NUMBERS: WHAT THE FLATTENING CURVE REALLY MEANS; PROTECTING CHILDREN IN THE TIME OF COVID-19”
[1]Illustrations on continued flattening of the curve can be seen in the news report via GMA News Channel 24 Oras YouTube Channel.
[2]Dr. John Q. Wong, MD, MSc is Work Package Leader for the Health Sector in CCARPH, and an Associate Professor of the Health Sciences Program of Ateneo de Manila University. Dr. Wong is also President and Founder of EpiMetrics, Inc
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