Philippine authorities on Wednesday said they have stepped up efforts to keep millions of Filipinos in their homes.
The health authorities warned that the number of people infected with the Coronavirus could peak at 75,000 in three months if stringent measures were not applied.
Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that global data shows one person can easily infect two others in a single interaction, while stressing the need for the public to follow a lockdown imposed by the government on the main island of Luzon.
“This means that in two to three months, the number of infected people can reach a peak of 75,000,’’ she said.
“We can prevent the number from reaching this peak, if only we can implement stringent measures such as social distancing.’’
The Philippines had 193 confirmed Covid-19 infections as of Wednesday morning, including 14 deaths.
Seven of the patients have recovered, the Department of Health said.
The island of Luzon is home to nearly 60 million Filipinos, more than half of the country’s popuation and has been under a month long lockdown since Monday, with school classes, work and public transport, including flights, suspended.
“Everyone must stay at home,’’ Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a televised briefing on Wednesday.
“No (school) classes at all levels. No reporting for work in government and the private sector, except for some exemptions.’’
Security forces will arrest those who will not cooperate, warned police national chief General Archie Gamboa.
He said there were two legal justifications for making arrests; disobedience under the revised penal code or non-cooperation under a law on preventing epidemics.
“Hopefully, we will not reach that point,’’ Gamboa added.
