As COVID-19 cases and deaths rise, DOH denies ending casualty count
MANILA – The Department of Health denied any instruction to stop counting COVID-19 deaths as reported in Arnold Clavio’s social media account early Saturday afternoon. Clavio is a popular radio-television news anchor.
In a statement released at 5:00 P.M. today, the Department of Health said they have never issued any order to stop the census or reporting of deaths related to COVID-19 t any health facility.
“All hospitals and health centers are mandated to report on consultations and/or admissions and the status thereof, that fit the COVID-19 case definition, the statement added.
It was learned the Department has already talked with the media personality who broke the information and an investigation is being made on the allegations.
The Department of Health said it is coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units to ensure that guidelines are strictly adhered to in relation to the management of the dead.
Pasig City and Quezon City have already designated crematoriums to address this matter as they, at the DOH encourage other LGUs to do likewise.
“We urge the public to exercise discretion when sharing information, to fact-check and verify first through DOH’s official channels and legitimate sources,” the statement further said.
As of 4:00 P.M. today, the DOH reported 4,428 COVID-19 positive cases with 157 recoveries and 247 fatalities with 26 new deaths reported during the last 24 hours. (Melo M. Acuña)
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III (File Photo/Melo M. Acuna)
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