DOH confirms 14 COVID-19 deaths in PH

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has reached 140, with 11 deaths as of Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Two more patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 14 as of Tuesday night, March 17, 2020.

Among the new fatalities was a 76-year-old Filipino from Rizal province, the Philippines' 126th confirmed case, who died due to ARDS and severe pneumonia.

The second new fatality was a 67-year-old Filipino from Quezon City, the country's 129th confirmed case, who also died from ARDS secondary to COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions, and immunocompromised individuals to be extra cautious and avoid crowded areas.

The DOH is encouraging the public to practice proper hand washing, social distancing, and cough etiquette.