By Genalyn Kabiling
The Philippines' low number of coronavirus cases and increasing recoveries may probably be because the virus does not survive in warm weather, according to President Duterte.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte updates the nation on the government's efforts in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on May 4, 2020. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
As of May 4, the country has recorded 9,485 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) including 1,315 recoveries and 623 deaths.
"What is very significant is the recovery rate of the persons who were hospitalized or had this infection. It’s 1,315 and that is a good number if you compare it to the deaths, 623," Duterte said in a televised public address on Monday.
"Now, come to think of it really, mababa ang ano natin (our cases are low). They said that itong coronang putris na ‘to has a hard time surviving in a hot --- high temperature. So pagka ganun (so) maybe that explains the reason why na hindi naman masyado marami (we don't have many cases)," he added.
Health authorities previously insisted that there was no conclusive proof yet on the transmissibility of the coronavirus based on temperature and humidity.
The World Health Organization had earlier said exposure to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25 degrees celsius does not prevent COVID-19. "You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose," the WHO said in its website.
US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate Bill Bryan recently claimed that the virus dies more quickly in hot and humid weather than in cold and dry conditions.
The coronavirus has so far infected more than 3.5 million people across the world in a range of different environments since its outbreak in China late last year.
The President appealed anew to the public to practice physical distancing and wear face masks when leaving their houses. He noted that the public should do their part to protect their health so as not to overwhelm the hospitals with cases.
"Look, cooperate with us. Wear a mask because if not, kung magsabay-sabay, then we will have an overload. Now do not tell me later on na hindi tayo nag-prepare because we have so many hospitals," he said.
"That’s why it’s called pandemic. If it’s local, it’s epidemic. Pandemic is worldwide. Tinamaan lahat," he added.