DOH reports 207 new Covid-19 cases, 82 recoveries

Thirteen new deaths were also recorded bringing the total number of deaths to 362 in the country. (File Photo by CDC/Unsplash)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported 207 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the total number of cases in the country to 5,660.

During the Beat Covid-19 virtual presser, DOH Health Promotion and Communication Service director Beverly Ho reported 82 new recoveries which bring the total recovered cases nationwide to 435.

Thirteen new deaths were also recorded bringing the total number of deaths to 362 in the country.

While the number of recovered cases is increasing, Ho said there is still no established drug or vaccine to cure Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases president Marissa Alejandria said that chloroquine and lopinavir which are seen as potential cure for Covid-19 in some countries are experimental drugs only.

“Wala pa tayong magic drug o epektibong gamot na na-establish sa clinical trial na epektibo at safe gamitin sa Covid-19. Chloroquine a malaria medication ay kaya niyang pigilin ang pagpasok ng virus, ang Lopinavir for HIV infections ay pinipigilan ang pagdami ng virus sa katawan, base lamang sa maliliit na experiences, hindi pa clinical trial na nagsasabi na sila ang epektibong gamot sa (There is no magic drug or effective drug established in clinical trial that is effective and safe to use against Covid-19. Chloroquine a malaria medication prevents the virus from entering, Lopinavir for HIV infections prevents the increase of virus in the body, these are based on few experiences, not yet clinical trial saying that they’re effective cure for) Covid-19,” she said.

Citing that chloroquine is given to mild to moderate Covid-19 patients, Alejandria said the Food and Drug Administration allowed them to be used as “off label” or “investigational” drugs and not yet approved for Covid-19.

“Kapag nagdesisyon ang doctor na ibigay ang gamot sa pasyente, kailangan ipaliwanag sa pasyente na hindi pa ito ang established na gamot para sa Covid, possible benefits, side effects. May pipirmahan na (If the doctor decides to give these to the patients, it must be explained that this is not yet established for Covid, possible benefits, side effects. [The patient] needs to sign an) informed consent,” she said.

Alejandria said the standard of care for admitted Covid-19 patients includes ensuring that patients are well-hydrated and are given paracetamol for fever, antibiotic for pneumonia due to bacteria, and medication for flu, like Oseltamivir.