News Roundup 08 August 2020
Aug 08, 2020 • 3 min Read
COVID-19 cases in Philippines exceed 126,000 with 4,226 new infections | PHILSTAR.COM – The Department of Health on Saturday confirmed 4,226 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the country’s total caseload to 126,885 — the highest in Southeast Asia. Of these, there are still 57,559 total active cases, which account for the net of reported recoveries and deaths. The death toll stands at 2,209 after 41 more patients succumbed to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the local COVID-19 recovery count has reached 67,117 as the Health department announced 287 additional survivors.
Former Manila Mayor Lim dies | PHILSTAR.COM – Former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim died Saturday at the age of 90, according to reports. On Friday, the family and friends of the former mayor asked for prayers after he was allegedly brought to a hospital due to the coronavirus disease. Lim’s grandson, Manila District 1 Councilor Niño dela Cruz, posted on Facebook Friday, asking for “prayers of healing and the speedy recovery” of his grandfather.
Philhealth chief Morales told to go on leave due to lymphoma, chemotherapy | INQUIRER.NET – Beleaguered Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president President Ricardo Morales has been advised by his doctor to take a leave of absence due to lymphoma. In a medical certificate issued on August 7, Morales’ oncologist disclosed that Morales was a “diagnosed case of Diffuse Large B cell lymphoma” and is undergoing chemotherapy. The copy of the medical certificate was submitted to the Senate, constituted as Committee of the Whole to look into alleged widespread corruption within the Philhealth. “He (Morales) is advised to complete 6 cycles of treatment during which he will be immunocompromised and vulnerable to opportunistic infections. It is therefore in his best interest that I have advised him to take a leave of absence,” the certificate read.
Senators not surprised by Filipinos saying dangerous to publish statements critical of administration | Manila Bulletin – Some senators are not surprised that five out of 10 Filipinos think that it is dangerous to publish statements that are critical of the Duterte administration. Opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Saturday said the results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey did “not come as a surprise considering the culture of sowing fear and threatening perceived enemies, the stifling of dissent, and the silencing of critics have been the hallmark of this admin(istration) since 2016.” He, however, expressed hope that Filipinos will not cower “forever especially in the face of the abuses and incompetence of the administration in addressing COVID(-19), in fighting corruption, and in defending our sovereignty against Chinese aggression.”
St Luke’s Hospital announces full capacity for Covid-19 patients | The Manila Times – St. Luke’s Medical Center announced that its wards and intensive care unit (ICU) for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients have remained at full capacity as of Friday. In a statement posted on social media, the hospital said that its branches in Quezon City and Global City, Taguig also had their emergency rooms fully occupied with people experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. The hospital requested that those requiring immediate care from Covid to seek other hospitals in the meantime.
