DOH: Over 36,000 people had close contact with COVID-19 patients

At least 36,000 people have been in close contact with COVID-19 patients across the country, the Department of Health said Tuesday. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said through the government’s contact tracing efforts in cooperation with the police, authorities have identified 36,271 individuals who have been in close proximity with those who tested positive with COVID-19. 

“There were 36,271 who were in close contact with COVID-19 confirmed cases in the country, across different accomplishment percentages po ito,” Vergeire said in a virtual presser.

“Iyong iba po, 100% na, meaning natignan na, napuntahan na. Pero mayroon pang mga kailangang i-trace,” Vergeire added.

Vergeire said that the contact tracing teams consist of representatives from the national government, local government, barangay health emergency teams and the police. 

“Dumarami na ang ating contact tracers,” Vergeire added.

Likewise, Vergeire said such contact tracing efforts enabled authorities to spot clustered cases in Cebu and Zamboanga. 

“Katulad po ito noong nakita natin sa [Muslim prayer room] Greenhills [San Juan] saka iyong sabungan po sa Davao,”  Vergeire added.

Under DOH protocol, those prioritized for COVID-19 tests include severe and critically ill, symptomatic individuals and those in vulnerable sectors.

As of May 4, the Philippines has 9,485 COVID-19 cases. Of this number, 1,315 have recovered while 623 have died. —KG, GMA News