Philippines: COVID-19 Update

 Philippines: COVID-19 Update

 Official Website
 

• The Government of the Philippines

  The COVID-19 PH official website provides real-time updates on the national context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site includes information regarding the number of cases, news and issuances, briefings, photos, and videos. It also addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) (English & Local Languages).
   

• The Department of Health
  The department provides the national context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site includes information regarding the number of cases, public advisories, press briefings, and the latest news updates (English & Local Languages).
   

 Reports & Guidelines 
 

• Declaring State of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19 (OP 200316 Proclamation No. 929)
  The country declared a state of calamity throughout the whole country on March 16, 2020. This declaration included an Enchanted Community Quarantine (ECQ) throughout Luzon (English).
   

• Declaring the Existence of a National Emergency Arising from COVID-19 Situation (OP 200324 Republic Act No. 11469)
  The country enacted Republic Act No. 11469 known as “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” on March 24, 2020. It declares the existence of a national emergency arising from the COVID-19 situation, and it authorizes the president to exercise emergency powers (English).
   

• Extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine over the Entire Luzon Until 30 April 2020
  The ECQ in Luzon was extended to April 30, 2020 on April 7, 2020. All concerned agencies were directed to continue implementing existing guidelines relative to the ECQ during the period of extension (English).
   

• Guidelines on the Use of Telemedicine in COVID-19 Response (DOH 200407 MC No. 2020-0016)
  The guidelines have been on the use of telemedicine in COVID-19 response to enable patients to receive health services even while staying at home or to avail of COVID-19-related health services (English).
   

• Privacy Guidelines on the Processing and Disclosure of COVID-19 Related Data for Disease Surveillance and Response
  The privacy guidelines provide information on the processing and disclosure of COVID-19 related data for disease surveillance and response. It emphasizes that public health action must be promoted while safeguarding the data privacy rights of every individual (English).
   

• Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation
  The order aims to provide guidance for sectoral planning on the implementation of minimum public health standards to mitigate the threat of COVID-19. The other objectives are to increase physical and mental resilience, and reduce transmission, contact, and the duration of infection (English).
   

• Imposing an Enhanced Community Quarantine in High-risk Geographic Areas of the Philippines and a General Community Quarantine in the Rest of the Country from 01 to 15 May 2020
  An ECQ was imposed in high-risk geographic areas from May 1-15, 2020. The rest of the country was placed under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 and prevent the overburdening of the healthcare system (English).
   

• Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19
  Select private institutions are allowed to operate during an ECQ and a GCQ. The guidelines aim to assist them in developing the minimum health protocols and standards in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (English).
   

• Minimum Health System Capacity Standards for Preparedness and Response Strategies
  The order aims to define the minimum health system capacity standards for COVID-19 preparedness and response strategies as guidance for sectoral and local planning. It shall apply to both the public and private sectors (English).
   

• Guidelines on the Operations of Malls and Shopping Centers in Areas Declared under General Community Quarantine (GCQ)
  The guidelines were provided for Mall operators and commercial establishments allowed to operate under GCQ are prescribed to strictly comply with. They were placed in order to discourage loitering and unnecessary foot traffic inside malls and shopping centers (English).
   

• Guidelines for Public Transport in Areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ)
  The guidelines have been adopted in areas under GCQ by the road, rail, aviation, and maritime sectors in order to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the commuters (English).
   

• Guidelines on Identifying Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and Strengthening their Health Systems
  The guidelines provide direction to all stakeholders in improving access to quality healthcare through province-wide or city-wide health systems, and equitable and sustainable health financing in GIDAs (English).
   

• Guidelines for Local Government Units in the Implementation of the Social Amelioration Program for the Second Tranche
  The policy contents and guidelines indicate that all local government units (LGUs) are expected to have completed the distribution of the first tranche and shall ensure the expeditious and orderly implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for the second tranche (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 062
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of June 27, 2020. It also contains information on behavioral messages and reminders for the public to remain safe and healthy amidst the pandemic (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 069
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of July 04, 2020. It also contains information on donated and distributed personal protective equipment and other health equipment (English).
   

• Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines with amendments as of July 02, 2020
  The guidelines aim to harmonize and codify existing policies of the IATF and member-agencies pertaining to community quarantine, which shall be applied to all regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays placed under community quarantine. This updated version contains amendments as of July 02, 2020 (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 076
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of July 11, 2020. Healthcare providers are advised to adhere to the existing guidelines by the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients (English).
   

• Guidelines for the Establishment of a Network of Cycling Lanes and Walking Paths to Support People's Mobility
  The use of bicycles and walking are being promoted as essential and safer modes of transport, as these allow for physical distancing while providing the needed mobility for citizens to proceed with their daily activities. These guidelines are issued for all necessary actions in view of establishing a network of cycling lanes and walking paths (English).
   

• Telemedicine Practice Guidelines
  The guidelines provide instruction to set up telemedicine practice among healthcare providers aim to provide minimum recommendations that empower and safeguard both patients and healthcare providers while maintaining quality medical care (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 083
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of July 18, 2020. It also includes information on how to create a home-made 0.05% disinfectant solution for cleaning household items (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 090
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of July 25, 2020. The report stresses that going out for non-essential reasons is still discouraged (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 097
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of August 1, 2020. The report highlights the importance of spending quality time with family to lessen boredom and mental stress from the current quarantine measures (English).
   

• Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) over the National Capital Region and the Provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan until 18 August 2020
  The memorandum is pursuant to the declaration of the President that the National Capital Region and the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan shall be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) effective August 04, 2020 until August 18 2020 (English).
   

• Operational Capacity to be Adopted by Government Agencies and Instrumentalities during Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ)
  The memorandum circular orders all government agencies and instrumentalities of the executive branch located in all geographical areas placed under MECQ to adopt a maximum of 50% operational capacity at any given time. This order is in place unless a higher operational capacity is required in agencies providing health and emergency frontline services, border control, and other critical services (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 104
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of August 8, 2020. The report stresses that mass gatherings are still unallowed, especially with the implementation of MECQ in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces. The public is encouraged to maintain communication through online means instead (English).
   

• Guidelines in the Stricter Conduct of Home Quarantine for Mild and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients
  The guidelines aim to take effect immediately regarding the isolation of positive individuals from their family and community for their transfer to quarantine facilities. This measure is in an effort to contain and prevent community transmission of COVID-19 amidst the continuing spike of individuals positive for the virus (English).
   

• DOLE and DTI Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19
  The memorandum requires employers to implement all necessary workplace safety and health programs, including those related to COVID-19, at no cost to the employees (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 111
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of August 15, 2020. Moreover, the report directs the public to immediately call the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) in cases wherein severe symptoms are experienced (English).
   

• Joint Guidelines on the Proper Use and Promotion of Active Transport During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
  The joint guidelines provide guidance for the promotion and safe use of active transport during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The said guidelines cover all active and motorized transport users, commuters, pedestrians, and all other road users (English). 
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 117
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of August 21, 2020. It notes that a person who is classified as having a mild case of COVID-19 but is considered high risk due to age or the presence of comorbidities must be admitted to a treatment facility. Moreover, severe or critical cases must be admitted to a treatment facility, regardless of inclusion in high-risk sub-groups or presence of comorbidities (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 125
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of August 29, 2020. It advises everyone in the office or workplace to wear face masks and face shields, practice hand hygiene and proper coughing manners, and maintain physical distancing measures to protect oneself from COVID-19 (English).
   

• CHR-DILG 200715 JMC No. 2020-01 - Ensuring Gender Responsive Interventions to COVID-19 and the New Normal Including Ensuring Prompt, Effective, and Survivor-Centered Response to All Forms of Gender-Based Violence
  The guidelines recognize that women and girls are disproportionately affected during pandemics. The said guidelines aim to ensure that the concerns of women, girls, and members of the LGBTQI+ communities are responded to during the transition and recovery period of the COVID-19 crisis (English).
   

• A Guide to the New Normal
  The document seeks to provide guidance to the general public in adjusting to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides information on the minimum public health standards set by the Department of Health (DOH) for COVID-19 mitigation (English).
   

• Refocusing the Disiplina Muna National Advocacy Campaign Towards Defeating the COVID-19 Pandemic
  The guidelines aim to promote discipline as part of people’s habits and lifestyles to prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19. The refocusing of the Disiplina Muna National Advocacy Campaign highlights discipline as the new normal for the safety of families and communities (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 131
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of September 4, 2020. It includes infographics on how to safely ride a bike as a means of transportation (English).
   

• Guidance in Anticipation of Possible Increase in Cases of Infectious Diseases During Rainy Season Amidst COVID-19
  The guidance memorandum aims to ensure that all health-related facilities have available technical guidelines, tools, medicines, supplies, and equipment needed to manage infectious diseases like influenza, dengue, leptospirosis, and water-borne diseases during the rainy season (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 139
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of September 12, 2020. It highlights the importance of mental health advising those who need professional help at the National Center for Mental Health (English). 
   

• Extending the Period of a State of Calamity Throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19
  The proclamation extends the period of a State of Calamity throughout the nation due to COVID-19 until September 12, 2021. The one-year extension allows the national and local governments to use their Quick Response Funds and control the prices of basic goods (English).
   

• Directing All Concerned Government Agencies to Coordinate and Pool Their Resources and Efforts into the Production and Distribution of Face Masks
  The directive orders the production of face masks and their expedited distribution to the public free of charge (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 147
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of September 20, 2020. It includes contact details that may be used by the general public to gather further information (English). 
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 154
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of September 27, 2020. It includes a breakdown of active cases totaling 46,372 into asymptomatic, mild, severe, and critical (English).
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 167
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of October 11, 2020. In light of the National Mental Health Week celebration (October 11 to 17, 2020), it encourages people to take care of their mental and physical wellbeing by engaging in healthy, enjoyable, and relaxing activities (English). 
   

• Report on the Implementation of Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act
  The report contains information on the developments relative to the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights updates on the programs and activities of 50 departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Executive branch (English).
   

• Omnibus Interim Guidelines on Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment, and Reintegration Strategies for COVID-19
  The guidelines indicate that the implementation of the prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, and reintegration strategies shall be the cornerstone of response to prevent further the transmission of COVID-19. It shall be a shared responsibility of the national government, local government units, private sector, and the general public (English). 
   

• Special Guidelines on the Implementation of the Provision of Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act Concerning DSWD
  The special guidelines highlight that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall continue to implement programs and services identified under the Act as interventions to aid in the recovery of affected families and households (English).
   

• Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines with amendments as of October 18, 2020
  The guidelines aim to harmonize and codify existing policies of the IATF and member-agencies pertaining to community quarantine, which shall be applied to all regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays placed under community quarantine. This updated version contains amendments as of October 18, 2020 (English).  
   

• COVID-19 Philippine Situationer - Issue No. 174
  The report provides details on total cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines as of October 18, 2020. It contains infographics on ways to remain safe and healthy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic (English). 
   

 Infographics & Posters
 

• Department of Health‘s (DOH) Infographics on COVID-19
  The webpage is dedicated to information on health advisories, ways to protect yourself from COVID-19, and tips to prevent it from spreading (English & Local Languages).
   
• KIRA- the Chatbot that Answers COVID-19 Related Questions

  The Department of Health launched a chatbot called Kontra COVID or Katuwang na Impormasyon para sa Responsableng Aksyon (KIRA). Learn how you can chat with KIRA to get fast and reliable information about COVID-19 (Filipino).
   

• Infographics: Healthy Pilipinas -- Official DOH Updates on COVID-19 in the Philippines
  The website features infographics on health care workers, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPEs), and handwashing alternatives (English & Local Languages).
   

• Discharge and Recovery Criteria for COVID-19 Patients
  The posters provide the criteria to declare a COVID-19 patient has recovered. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) were cited for information (Filipino).
   

 Videos
 

• Laging Handa PH
  The organization is the government’s crisis communications center. It has collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) to produce videos on preventative measures against COVID-19 (English & Local Languages).
   
• The Department of Health (DOH) Advisories on COVID-19
  The department has produced several videos on how to fight COVID-19 which includes public service messages (Local Languages).
   

• The National Action Plan against COVID-19
  The government has formulated the National Action Plan to arrest the further spread of COVID-19 in communities and learn more about the Detect + Isolate + Treat + Reintegrate (DITR) Strategy (English & Local Languages).
   

• Multimedia: Healthy Pilipinas -- Official DOH Updates on COVID-19 in the Philippines
  The website showcases videos on proper handwashing, social distancing, and protecting mental health (English & Local Languages).
   

* Cover Photo by Unsplash. Flag, Official Website, Reports & Guideslines, Infographics & Posters, and Videos icon by Flaticon.