DOH: Two more succumb to COVID-19; total such deaths in PH now 14
By Analou De Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Tuesday night that two more patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 14.
The DOH said among the new fatalities was a 76-year-old Filipino from Rizal province. He was the Philippines' 126th confirmed case. He was admitted to the Adventist Medical Center in Manila after he manifested symptoms of COVID-19 last March 9. The patient was confirmed positive for the disease last Sunday (March 15).
The patient, who also had diabetes type 2 and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, died Tuesday afternoon "after experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and severe pneumonia," the DOH said.
The second new fatality was a 67-year-old Filipino from Quezon City "who is a known hypertensive." He was the country's 129th confirmed case after he was found positive for the disease also last Sunday.
"He expired today at the Lung Center of the Philippines after experiencing ARDS secondary to COVID-19, as well as community-acquired pneumonia," the DOH said.
The DOH previously urged elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions to be cautious as they are found to be more vulnerable to the disease.
"We are encouraging the public to practice proper hand washing, social distancing, and cough etiquette. We call on the public to be vigilant and continue doing their part in containing the disease," the DOH said.