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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No proof that those who recovered from COVID can't be reinfected again -- DOH

No proof that those who recovered from COVID can't be reinfected again -- DOH

Published Jul 17, 2020 01:47 pm

There is no proof yet that those who have recovered from COVID-19 are protected from contracting a second infection, the Department of Health said Friday.

(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN)

“Ayon sa WHO (World Health Organization), wala pang strong evidence na nagsasabing (According to the WHO, there is no strong evidence that) people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection,” said DoH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Vergeire said that “despite continuous efforts” by the global scientific community to study the virus that causes COVID-19, “there is still a lot to be discovered about the disease.”

The Health official was reacting to a TV news report that a neonatal pediatrician, Dr. Karen Abat-Senen, who had recovered from COVID-19 tested positive anew. Senen is currently being treated at the Philippine General Hospital on Taft Ave. in Manila.

“The WHO continues to review the evidence on antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection,” said Vergeire.

“Pinag-aaralan din po kung gaano nga ba kalakas ang relationship ng pagkakaroon ng antibodies at clinical improvement (It is also studying how strong the relationship of having antibodies and clinical improvement),” she added.

Vergeire urged the public to stay vigilant and observe the necessary basic precautions, such as wearing a mask and proper hand hygiene, to reduce the chances of being infected.

“Dahil nga po napaka-dynamic ng COVID-19 virus, lagi po naming pinapaalala na prevention is still better than than cure. Kung walang importanteng gagawin, manatili sa bahay. Sundin ang minimum health standards para sa sariling proteksyon at para na rin sa mga mahal natin (Because the COVID-19 virus is so dynamic, we always remind that prevention is still better than cure. If there is nothing important to do (outside), just stay at home. Follow the minimum health standards for self-protection and also for our loved ones),” she said.

“Patuloy po ang pakikipag-usap namin sa mga lokal at global experts para makapagbigay po kami ng mapagkakatiwalaang impormasyon at abiso (We continue to communicate with local and global experts so that we can provide reliable information),” she added.

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