On Wednesday, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III has claimed that the Philippines has “successfully” flattened the curve of COVID-19 infections since April.
The Health Secretary said this conclusion was based on the longer COVID-19 case doubling rate and mortality doubling time.
“We have successfully flattened the curve since April. The metrics are saying, arriving at that conclusion of flattening the curve is actually one, the case doubling time of the COVID-19 infection has actually become longer,”
– Health Secretary Francisco Duque III
Duque said the country’s case doubling time now is between 8 to 12 days. He also claimed that the government was able to improve its pandemic response in terms of public health and non-pharmaceutical interventions such as the mandatory wearing of face masks for citizens.
As of July 14, 2020, the Philippines has a total of 57,545 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,603 deaths and 20,459 recoveries.
On July 13, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia met with the officials from the tourism, health, and trade industries for a collaborative effort to come up with a response, but realistic plan.
To ensure everyone’s safety amid facing the new normal of tourism, an online booking portal is soon to be made available for Cebu Province’s tourism packages.
The tourism sector of Cebu Province has long been preparing to re-open the industry. Hence, a safe and smooth implementation of public health protocols must be observed through cashless transactions.
Photo by Lito Tecson via Sugbo News
Garcia said that to ensure for an organized implementation of the tourism activities, everyone should adhere to the guidelines.
Garcia said a task force composed of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Province of Cebu will be formed once the Executive Order is signed “so there will be check and balance.”
“We are now trying to have an online booking para ma-control (ang influx sa tourists) and monitoring would be easier for the task force,” Provincial Tourism Officer Marti Ybañez said in a separate interview.
The One Cebu Tourism Portal will contain all of the activities offered by the Cebu Province;
Whaleshark Watching
Trekking
Canyoneering
Sardine Run
Turtle Watching Among other tourist activities which guests can enjoy.
The portal’s concept is for guests to choose what tourism activity they will want and then pay directly online.
Meanwhile, Garcia and members of the task force will be visiting the tourism sites in the south like Oslob, Moalboal, Badian and Alegria on July 15-16, 2020 to get the stakeholders’ inputs on the tourism plan.
Literally take a “breath of fresh air” and a well-deserved getaway once this pandemic is all over.
Photo by Joseph The Explorer
Cebu, being recognized for its pristine beaches and breathtaking views, is also known to have a wide selection of mountains with established hiking trails. Numerous mountains in varying levels of difficulty, it does not matter if you are a beginner or an experience hiker because there will always be one mountain for you.
Photo by Joseph The Explorer
Take Osmeña Peak for example, the highest in Cebu which makes it a perfect spot to have a jaw-dropping 360-view of the island. Some consider it the “Chocolate Hills” in Cebu because of its cool rock formation and beautiful capped hills. Others also see it as the “Little Baguio of Cebu” because of its chilly temperature.
Photo by Joseph The Explorer
Photo by Joseph The Explorer
Photo by Joseph The Explorer
Photo by Joseph The Explorer
Photo by @Sincerelylends via IG
Photo by Joevercon Dugos
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Fees
Entrance fee: ₱50 per head
Camping fee: ₱50 per head, bring your own tent (Not yet permitted under community quarantine)
Guide fee: ₱100 per group (required)
WHAT TO BRING
Sunscreen
Snacks
Plenty of water
Comfortable walking shoes
Extra clothes
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact information: (032) 484 8179 (Municipality of Dalaguete)
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, ride a bus bound to Oslob or Bato. Fare is around ₱150. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at Dalaguete junction. Travel time on average is 2.5 – 3 hours. As you arrive at the Dalaguete junction, there are several motorcycle-for-hire or “habal-habal” going to the jump-off point, hire one. Fare is around P120. Travel time is 45 minutes to 1 hour.
When you arrive at the drop-off point going to the peak, follow the stone path leading to the registration office/information desk. You need to pay the entrance fee of ₱30 before starting your hiking adventure. You do not need to worry if it’s your first time to visit the place because the trail is visibly marked and can be easily navigated.
BY CAR: Alternatively, you can rent a car/van for you to travel at your own pace. Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Osmeña Peak” in Dalagute.
Note: Be sure to be a responsible laagan and leave no trash behind.
For those who wish an extra security on Messenger, good news! Facebook has finally added a new feature that will allow you to lock your messages or the Messenger app on iOS devices.
Apple users can now require Face ID and Touch ID authentication to access the user’s inbox with a future update. Users can also define the frequency for the app to require authentication.
“We want to give people more choices and controls to protect their private messages, and recently, we began testing a feature that lets you unlock the Messenger app using your device’s settings. It’s an added layer of privacy to prevent someone else from accessing your messages.“
– Facebook told Engadget
Here are screenshots of the new feature:
If you can’t see the new feature on your iOS device, try updating your Messenger app or uninstall-then-reinstall it.
Russia has made a major leap in the fight against CoVID-19 for being the first to complete human trials.
“The research has been completed and it proved that the vaccine is safe. The volunteers will be discharged on July 15 and July 20,”
– Elena Smolyarchuk, Chief researcher for the Russian Center for Clinical Research on Medications at Sechenov University
They haven’t disclosed yet when this vaccine would enter commercial production.
About 20 people volunteered for the injection of the then potential coronavirus vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.
Upon introduction to the vaccine, volunteers were asked to quarantine in the hospital for 28 days.
Russia has 719,449 confirmed cases with a death toll of 11,188 people from complications caused by Covid-19.
With at least 21 vaccines currently under trial worldwide, this gives us confidence that we can finally stop/contain the virus from taking over the world and our lives.
With the crisis that we are experiencing, it is without a doubt a need to find a way to live. From selling garments and baked goodies online to the recent home-baked hugot cakes, we have to pay much respect to these budding entrepreneurs.
One perfect example of a person truly worth of our admiration is Miss Sinulog 2020, Monika Afable.
Monika is from Borongan City, Easter Samar. Amid being a beauty queen, she truly is more than just a pretty face, she is someone who would find ways to survive. A brilliant woman indeed.
Together with her friend Sisa Balan, these beautiful women sell “pilipit” or “siakoy” in their barangay. Not minding what other people would think, they are indeed doing the right thing as they have been gaining praises.
Pilipit or Siakoy is a twisted doughnut. Twisted doughnuts are yeast donuts or sticks of pastry made from braided wheat or glutinous rice flour, deep-fried in oil.
Being on lockdown for months, you probably have tried everything you have always wanted to do indoors. From planting to baking, I’ve seen it all over the world wide web.
One thing that I’ve seen that looks cute and catchy are these minimalist cakes. Though the hand-piping job isn’t perfect, the messages are sure to perfectly put your emotions into words.
These “hugot cakes” have messages for your loved ones. You might be heartbroken or inlove, just let them know what you’ve been meaning to say and they’ll do it for you. Just make sure it won’t be too long, okay?
It’s been roughly four months now since the COVID-19 outbreak began in the country. Based on recent reports, the COVID-19 cases in entire Cebu are not declining. In fact, there are at least 150 new cases reported in Cebu each day.
The lighter news is, several hospitals and clinics have now been accredited to do their own swab/rapid testing for the coronavirus disease. This means, if we are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, we can now get tested voluntarily to the nearest testing center.
Common symptoms of COVID-19:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Sore throat
Fatigue
What to do if you’re sick or am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
If you are experiencing any or all of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s best to call a COVID-19 hotline first for consultation before heading to a clinic for swab testing.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse before seeking medical help.
COVID-19 Hotlines for consultation
0922-397-2334
0943-568-3298
(032) 402-3091
(032) 402-1269
CebuDoctors: 0961-525-5194 (Smart)
CebuDoctors: 0956-788-5071 (Globe)
CebuDoctors: 0931-059-8617 (Sun)
You can call these numbers regardless of your residence.
Enlisted below are the cluster clinics or swab testing centers in Cebu.
Cebu City
Cluster Clinics for Swab Testing
Barangay Tinago Gym
Brotherhood Gym, Basak San Nicolas
Sawang Calero Gym
Cebu Medical Society, Banilad
If you’re carrying the common symptoms, you will be referred to in an isolation center while waiting for the test result.
If you get a ‘positive’ result of the virus, for mild symptoms, you will transferred to a Barangay Isolation Center. For moderate symptoms, to the treatment facility at CCMC.
For severe cases:
Symptoms include, but not limited to, breathing difficulties and severe diarrhea.
Call the Cebu City hotline numbers:
(032) 233-4194
(032) 254-8637
(032) 411-0102 / 411-0126
0923-937-8599
0923-937-8596
0909-943-1037
Wait for an ambulance to pick-up. Patient will then be brought to a hospital for admission.
Bayanihan Cebu-DOH Testing Center
The BAYANIHAN CEBU-DOH SWABBING CENTER will officially open on Monday (July 13, 2020). Testing is free.
Location:2nd floor of the IC3/IEC Buildings (entrance via ramp at basement parking)
Operating Hours:Mon-Sat : 8AM-12NN, 1-5PM
It’s a 12-booth facility where DOH med-techs will collect swabs and all specimens will be processed by the DOH for free.
Help desk contact numbers:
7AM-10PM
0905 359 8952
0905 359 8953
0905 359 8954
0905 359 8955
0905 359 8956
10PM-7AM
0905 359 8958
0905 359 8959
Before leaving your homes to be tested, please wear your masks and bring your own pen, as there are forms that need to be filled out at the center.
Drive-Thru, Walk-Thru Testing
Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) recently launched a Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru swabbing for SARS CoV2 (COVID-19). Testing is for free.
Process Flow
Access VSMMC FB page and click the link provided.
Fill up Case Investigation Form and choose a schedule online.
On the testing day, Print/Save QR code and bring Valid ID
Present QR code, Valid ID and register at tent A
Your temperature will be taken and you will be given a bar code sticker
For Swabbing:
Walk-thru subjects to tent C
Drive-thru subjects drives to tent D or E
Scanning of bar code and verification of subject identification
The Mandaue City Government encourages its residents who are experiencing COVID-19 systems to call or text first the barangay’s FEVER CLINICS to schedule a check-up.
Below is the list of fever clinics in Mandaue City:
Cebu Province is composed of cities and towns in Cebu that are outside Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
COVID-19 Hotline in Cebu Province
(032) 888-2334 loc 3011, 3012, 3013
0917-843-7375
(032) 888-2329 loc 1271, 1272 (Integrated Provincial Health Office)
Frequently Asked Questions
If I know someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation, will I be infected if I go near him/her?
No. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
What are the best things to do to lower the risk of being infected with COVID-19?
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– If you just sneezed, coughed, or went to the bathroom, even before and after eating, wash your hands.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
– If you are sick, stay at home.
– Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing and throw the tissue in the trash thereafter.
Should I worry about COVID-19?
Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?
While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.
However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.
Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?
Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.
Will mask protect me from COVID-19?
It’s best to wear masks at all times when going outside. Your mask cuts own risk by 65%.
Social distancing, face masks and eye protection all appear to reduce the spread of COVID-19, in both health care settings and the general community, according to a new review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Could my pet be a source of COVID-19?
No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.
With our fight against COVID-19 getting closer to an end, more efforts are being poured by organizations around the globe and in our country to contain COVID-19.
As of July 13, 2020, the Bayanihan Cebu-DOH Swabbing Center officially opens with the goal of providing swab tests for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
This is in line with the national government’s thrust against COVID-19 with the tagline “Test, Trace and Treat”.
Swabbing centers
Consists of 12 booths equipped with swabbing kits
Medical techinicians or med-techs are from DOH
Collecting the swabs and all specimens will be processed for free
Initially, the DOH has highly prioritized the frontliners and the high-risk population (those with underlying conditions, elderly, children, pregnant women, etc.), the DOH has included those in the subgroups B-F, as per their guidelines, but limited to those who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms include high fever, cough, colds, sore throat, joint pains, diarrhea and loss of sense and smell taste.
Bayanihan Cebu also have calling centers for your convenience. Citizens can call the centers to set appointments for their tests, but walk-in patients are also accepted.
Note: Calling centers will be active starting July 14, 2020.
Help desk contact numbers:
7AM-10PM
0905 359 8952
0905 359 8953
0905 359 8954
0905 359 8955
0905 359 8956
10PM-7AM
0905 359 8958
0905 359 8959
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat : 8AM-12NN, 1-5PM
Location: 2nd floor of the IC3/IEC Buildings (entrance via ramp at basement parking)
For updates and inquiries, you may message Bayanihan Cebu PH on Facebook.
Critical times like these, getting relevant and right information can literally save lives. Please spread the word, not the virus!
As the country to battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said that select Philippine banks will waive fees for PESONet and InstaPay transactions until September while others will be until December.
“To the call for relief measures that will benefit the general public and at the same time deepen the use of digital payments during the Covid-19 period.”
– BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno
Banks waiving fees until September 30, 2020:
BDO Unibank, Inc.
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
China Banking Corporation
Bank of Commerce
Robinsons Bank Corporation
Philippine Savings Bank
PayMaya Philippines, Inc.
G-Xchange, Inc.
China Bank Savings, Inc.
Philippine Bank of Communications
Equicom Savings Bank, Inc.
Banks waiving fees until December 31, 2020:
Union Bank of the Philippines
Asia United Bank Corporation
Land Bank of the Philippines
Development Bank of the Philippines
Security Bank Corporation
Sterling Bank of Asia, Inc.
Standard Chartered Bank
East West Banking Corporation
United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)
Maybank Philippines, Inc.
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) — waived for retail, corporate accounts reduced from PHP 150 to PHP 50
Philippine National Bank (PNB) has yet to announce the extension date for these waived fees, but it’s still being offered “until further notice”.
PESONet and InstaPay are the two real-time electronic payment systems under the BSP’s National Retail Payments System (NRPS).
InstaPay allows bank clients to transfer funds up to PHP50,000 per transaction without limit daily while PESONet is a credit payment scheme for business-to-business and people-to-business transactions, such as crediting of salaries to employees’ accounts.
