Five of Philippines’ 9 new COVID-19 cases are seniors —DOH

Five of the nine new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recorded in the Philippines on Tuesday are senior citizens, data from the Department of Health (DOH) show.

The DOH earlier announced that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has climbed to 33 after nine new cases were tallied since Monday night. 

Patient 28 is a 69-year-old Filipino male with a history of exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case. He began experiencing fever and cough on February 29.

Patient 29 is an asymptomatic 82-year-old Filipino woman who was also exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Patient 30 is a 69-year-old Filipina female who also had a history of exposure to a known COVID-19 case.

Patient 32 is a 64-year-old Filipino male who began manifesting COVID-19 symptoms on February 27.

Patient 33 is a 60-year-old Filipino male who developed fever, cough, and dizziness on March 3.

All five patients are currently admitted at The Medical City in Pasig.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that older adults are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

They said community preparedness for the disease must include the elderly and people with disabilities to ensure that their needs are met even as the COVID-19 threat looms.

“Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence,” the CDC explained. — BM, GMA News