Almost 40% of COVID-19 patients have no exposure to known infected cases —DOH

Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said almost 40% of the patients tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have no exposure to known infected cases.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Vergeire said they are trying to identify the index cases who spread the infection in the country.

“Nakakakita tayo ng almost about 40% of our patients right now positive of COVID-19 na walang history ng pinuntahan at history po ng exposure sa isang taong may COVID-19,” she said.

On March 7, the Department of Health confirmed that there is a case of local transmission in the country, prompting it to declare community transmission.

The Philippines then raised Code Red Sub-Level 2 to combat the spread of COVID-19. Tougher measures were implemented including suspension of classes in all levels and work in the executive branch, as well as setting travel restrictions, as part of a "community quarantine" in Metro Manila.

On the second day of the community quarantine, the Philippine National Police said the security measures at the borders of quarantine areas will be stricter.

A 13-year-old Filipino girl is among the cases of COVID-19. Data from the DOH showed that Patient 135 had no history of travel or exposure to known COVID-19 cases.

As of Sunday, the DOH confirmed 29 more cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 140. —AOL/KBK, GMA News