PCOO launches virtual portal for Covid-19

http://www.covid19.gov.ph/

MANILA – The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has launched a virtual portal that aims to be a one-stop source for people who are looking for news and resources about the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The move seeks to stop the proliferation of fake news and provide the public with accurate information about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Online users can get updates on Covid-19 by visiting the PCOO-led website www.covid19.gov.ph.

The website contains news from state-run Philippine News Agency, Philippine Information Agency, and PTV-4.

It also offers access to presidential proclamations, department orders, memorandum circulars, and other documents through the government’s online portal.

The virtual portal provides a map of confirmed cases and recovered patients, based on the latest data from the Department of Health.

Netizens can also watch President Rodrigo Duterte’s messages and press briefings about the Covid-19 outbreak.

The government includes on the website a list of questions and answers concerning Covid-19.

The online portal likewise features a collection of video campaign about steps people can take to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The website will soon include an “Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases corner; bayanihan stories of HOPE; and #DismissDisinformation correcting fake news,” the PCOO said in a statement.

Misinformation has proliferated on social media since Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine.

On Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte implemented an enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon until April 12 to combat Covid-19.

People have been advised to stay home and limit their movement to accessing basic necessities.

The Philippines now has 230 confirmed cases of Covid-19 as of Friday, with 18 deaths. Eight persons have recovered from the disease.