Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared that the entire island of Luzon will be under an “Enhanced Community Quarantine” following the Department of Health (DOH) report that 45 more citizens tested positive of the Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19), bringing the nation’s total to 187.
The said order was announced just two days after the National Capital Region (NCR) was placed under a community quarantine, limiting the entry and exit of citizens here, closing business establishments except for essentials like groceries, supermarkets and drugstores, and the heightened presence of military personnel at the borders to check identities of citizens.
With the new announcement from the country’s top leader, flocks of people who reside in the quarantined areas went panic buying and stocking necessities in their homes. Offices adopted a work from home scheme with skeletal forces for frontline activities.
WHAT IS COVID-19?
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies coronaviruses (CoV) as a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the current pandemic, is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; formerly called 2019-nCoV), which was first identified amid an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
ORIGIN OF THE PANDEMIC
According to reports, the first human infections were recorded at the end of December 2019 in Wuhan when a cluster of 41 pneumonia cases was identified. Deeper analysis showed that it was a novel coronavirus.
Approximately 66% of the cases had direct exposure to the Huanan Seafood market where fish, shellfish, wildlife, snakes, birds and several different types of meat and carcasses were sold. The said market was closed immediately and has not reopened since.
In mid-January 2020, a full viral genomic sequence of the new coronavirus from a patient sample was published, which showed the new coronavirus SARS-CoV2 that belongs to the same group as the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) responsible for the 2003 SARS outbreak.
Scientists have stated that the new virus differed significantly, thereby adding more inquiries on its origin. Despite two-thirds of the first batch of cases having ties with the said market, it has not yet been proven that Wuhan market was the source of the disease. Subsequent investigations indicate that the first patient – who started experiencing symptoms as early as 1 December 2019 – had no reported link to the market, or the other patients.
Theory that the virus was leaked from the laboratory at the Wuhan Centre for Disease Control was also spread but a number of scientists issued a statement condemning “conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin”.
Similarly, the theory that the virus originated from snakes was subsequently debunked. Bats, in particular, have been studied closely because they are considered to be the natural host of coronaviruses.
Previous research has shown that most pathogenic human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, have genetically similar viruses in bats. This diversity creates a pool of viruses that can spill over when and where the opportunity arises, most often into an intermediate animal source and then to humans.
For example, bio-surveillance studies focused on finding the reservoir of SARS coronavirus showed that the closest related virus was in horse bats (Rhinolophus spp) in China. A close relationship with over 96% similarity has been observed between a virus from a horseshoe bat sample collected in Yunnan and SARS CoV-2. A second paper which reported 89% similarity between SARS CoV-2 and a group of SARS-like coronaviruses previously found in bats in China was also released.
Although the similarities appear high, studies show that the mutation rate of coronaviruses is complicated. There is also a high probability that an intermediate host is part of the equation as bat viruses are present in low amounts in bats and need to amplify in a different host before they can spillover into humans.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.
Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. About 80% recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
WHO states that people can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than one meter (three feet) away from a person who is sick.
The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms.
This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings.
KEEPING SAFE FROM THE DISEASE
While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.
To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. These are being tested through clinical trials.
PROTECTION MEASURES FROM WHO
Sharing some reminders to reduce the chances of infection, WHO asks citizens to regularly and thoroughly clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be present on hands.
Maintain at least one meter or three feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places, especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
For those who are in or have recently visited, in the past 14 days, areas where COVID-19 is spreading, WHO mandates self-isolation by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people. Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE
In the March 16 announcement of enhanced community quarantine, President Duterte is allowing all people in Luzon to leave their homes only to access basic necessities beginning Tuesday midnight. All establishments will be closed, except those that provide basic necessities like supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals, medical clinics, pharmacies, food preparation and delivery services, banks and water-refilling stations.
Mass public transportation services are also suspended, while land, air and sea travel is restricted. This includes transport network vehicle services like Grab, OWTO and Micab. People who wish to leave Luzon by air have 72 hours to do so, after which all air travel to the island will be restricted. Filipino nationals, their spouses and children, permanent residents and holders of diplomatic visas will still be allowed entry.
The movement of cargo to and from Luzon will still be allowed.
While most work will be suspended, work in the executive branch continues from their homes. Other companies are allowed to operate but with skeletal staffing while most businesses are implementing a work from home scheme.
“These measures may include, but shall not be limited to, moratorium on lease rentals, advancing pro-rated 13th month pay, reprieve in utility bills, and assistance to micro, small and medium-scale enterprises,” the guidelines read.
Duterte also appealed to companies to release in advance their employees’ 13th month payouts.
Interior Department recommended that a total lockdown be put in place in Metro Manila, the political and economic center of the country, after commuters traveling back to the metropolis from nearby provinces were inconvenienced by long lines at checkpoints on the first working day of the so-called community quarantine.
Among the countries that also imposed a lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 are Italy and Spain. In contrast, South Korea did not order a lockdown and instead intensified testing and efforts to trace contacts of COVID-19 patients.
The Philippines has so far recorded 142 patients with COVID-19, including 12 fatalities. Globally, the virus has infected more than 169,000 people in 148 countries, killing over 6,500 people, according to the Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 tracker.
COVID-19: A narrative leading to a human shakedown
COVID-19 has been a turbulent moment for all of mankind in the 21st century. Who would’ve known that something as minute as a mutation in the cholesterol profile of a bat virus can make it a monstrous thing that can kill mankind, attacking one country at a time.
However, despite facts that have been spread by authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and governments of different countries, the panic caused by the pandemic fueled more belief into conspiracies and blame. But really, who stands the perpetrator and the victim?
In the Philippine setting, government blame has been rampant and disbelief of the media has been on the rise. Ranging from the allegations against Senator Migz Zubiri’s being positive to COVID-19 to the virus existing long before its actual commencement leading to the accusation of global leaders causing a shakedown. Really, how do these things better the scenario?
Panicking and distrust just causes things to become hazier. First, there is already a lot of tension for the medical community to attend to patients, create vaccines, and formulate cures that come along with this virus. Isn’t that what should be the first priority right now, and as a predominantly Catholic country, something we should pray for?
To add unnecessary pollution, “intellectual” confusion, just makes it very ironic because in the first place, information comes in to empower and enhance people’s lives not make people unnecessarily vulnerable.
From another point of view, the government has been placed in so much public scrutiny. People complaining left and right whether the actions are ideal and whatnot. All those concerns deserve merit, however, it will and should have its day and that day is not simultaneous to the actual crisis itself.
It is understandable that there might be overstep after declaring Code Red Sublevel 2 and the Enhanced Community Quarantine, however spreading conspiracies that make it appear as a foundation for Martial Law just doesn’t make the cut and is morally apprehensive. Why spread distrust on the command center when it is the only institution that has hold of all the information happening.
Now, it is not about sucking about to the government, but during a crisis scenario, what you first want to happen is follow the authorities, because in the genetic realm the virus is shaky and continues to evolve. With that, the genetic realm shouldn’t translate into humankind because that’s just complete havoc.
Now for scrutiny, that can happen after this dark phase of the country wherein COVID-19 continue to prevail as the victor, headline after headline. Senator Pangilinan was one of the first to point this out during a press release, that different branches of the government will have to investigate any overstep or shortcoming of the executive branch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for this time, let us ask ourselves whether it is worthy to cause a shakedown within humanity or is it a better priority to win over the virus first? Remember, sounding true is not synonymous to something actually being true, so think before you click.
ALL OF THIS IS TEMPORARY
As the Covid-19 is rapidly spreading across the world, the World Health Organization has already declared it a pandemic. This sparked a global panic. With institutions shut down, private and public gatherings canceled, and tours and concerts postponed— the world has become a more quiet and desolated area. If we take a step back and look locally, it seems like the Philippines is dealing with its own set of issues in this crisis.
Despite the hazards of going out, it seems like the Philippines is still a bustling country. Even with the imposed community quarantine, some people, like my parents, still choose to go to work. They usually have this reasoning of “no work, no money.” That’s the sad reality for not just Filipinos, but for everyone else. Many people’s number one concern is whether they would have enough to eat tonight.
What’s worse in this situation is that these businesses would have to grasp every single penny. Sure, you open and still have money banked in, but fewer people go outside, which means lesser potential customers.
My family owns three stores. Since people diverted their attention to the virus, they prefer to spend their money on stocking extra food and other products such as alcohol. They used to earn a lot but now, they only earn up to less than one-fourth of their daily earning. Not to mention that a lot of people also lost their purchasing power because the enterprise they work for is closed and they don’t earn any salary.
Looking into this on a wider scale, the Philippine economy is expected to contract, and we can already see that happening now.
We have already seen it with the Philippine Stock Exchange. Stocks and shares of several companies dropping from 2019 prices to retract back to 2013 prices. This enables the valuation of these companies to be cheaper to buy shares for the consumer. However, this is critical for the producer as their assets have significantly decreased.
Tourism also hit a new low, dropping by large margins due to fear induced by panic and clamor. Not to mention, the travel ban from certain countries reduces potential visitors.
Panic buying, for the local economy, will lead to higher inflation in the long run. Rest assured, this virus would not probably last forever and eventually, it would stop, however, its effects could last a lifetime. Since people are continuing to spend, companies have to raise prices on a lot of products to stabilize the money supply. To flush it out, however, is when they also have to raise prices so people will spend less and save, they would just leave the money unspent. This will lead to inflation to gradually increase in the long run.
As seen today, the environment of the country is based on survivability. People are scared of a possible full lockdown, so they will be driven to spend more on essential goods rather than excessive spending. This will impact local businesses like my family’s. However, there’s no need to fret. All this is only a temporary issue and people would gradually go back to excessive spending.
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
These are certainly challenging times filled with uncertainty and concern that are impacting our entire community and country. With the current outbreak of COVID-19, the new coronavirus, it’s normal to be scared, distressed or angry when hearing the constant stream of information about the virus.
Boosting our immune system has rarely felt more urgent, but, beyond eating more fruits rich in vitamin C and hoping for the best, what else can we do?
Listen. DOH advises the public to practice protective measures. It is still the best way to protect oneself against COVID-19. Practice frequent and proper handwashing. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice, and dry them thoroughly. The proper cough etiquette is to cover your mouth and nose using tissue or sleeves/bend of the elbow. Move away from people when coughing and maintain distance of at least one meter away from individual/s experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Resist panic. This is not to say there is no reason to be concerned or that we should ignore the sound advice of medical professionals and public health experts. The possible response to a crisis seriously and deliberately while maintaining an inner sense is to keep calm. No matter how chaotic things may be outside of you, you can always keep peace inside of you.
Pray. Many things have been cancelled because of the coronavirus. Masses and other parish services are cancelled by many bishops and other church leaders. There are many televised and livestreamed masses and services available, as well as ones broadcast on the radio. But even if you can’t find one, you can pray on your own. Pray for people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine. Pray for people at higher risk of developing the disease. Pray for our frontliners and leaders responsible for decisions about fighting the new coronavirus.
Take good care, be well, we are in this together!
Sources:
-World Health Organization
-The Conversation, Australia
-The Guardian
-Center for Disease Control and Prevention
-CNN Philippines
Photo Credits:
-(ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Photographer: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
Autoindustriya.com
-(AP Photo/Aaron Favila / MANILA BULLETIN
Photo by JILSON TIU, CNN Ph
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