DOH: PH has one of lowest COVID-19 infection rates globally

Health Secretary Francisco Duque stated that the Philippines has one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates globally, with a total of two cases per one million population.

He attributed this success to President Rodrigo Duterte's swift decisions, specifically the directive to ban travelers from China in February and the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

The travel ban to and from China was authorized by the President last February, and the Luzon lockdown has been in effect since March 17.

The quarantine in Luzon was extended by President Duterte until April 30 to prevent the rise of infections and allow the government to enhance its health facilities and resources.

As of April 8, the Philippines ranked 35th globally with 3,870 recorded cases of infection, including 182 fatalities, and second to Malaysia in Southeast Asia.

Duque assured that healthcare workers will be prioritized for personal protective equipment and access to COVID-19 testing, noting that 11 doctors have died from the virus.