The Philippines' COVID-19 cases have exceeded 2,000. That number may seem extreme right now, but experts from the Philippines, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) say it's far from the estimated infection peak.
"In two to three 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," says health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. "If only we can implement stringent measures tulad ng social distancing.”
But social distancing on its own is not enough. South Korea, for instance, has successfully flattened the curve with widespread testing. Even so, the Philippines needs to prepare for the COVID-19 surge.
What Is the Coronavirus Surge?
In his most recent speech, U.S. President Trump prepared Americans for a coronavirus surge that could affect the country in two weeks. The White House has even gone as far as predicting 100,000 to 240,000 deaths.
The surge can be attributed to a number of factors: asymptomatic people spreading infection, citizens breaking quarantine, and more. A new wave or secondary surge is what countries such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are facing right now. Without stricter measures and mass testing, a continuous surge is inevitable.
At the rate we're going, there's a high chance the Philippines could face a coronavirus surge that may very well last until June if not contained. The numbers don't lie: The Department of Health (DOH) reported 538 cases in just one day.
As of this writing, cases are rising in provinces such as Cagayan, Zambales, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, to name a few.
