Medialdea disputes Duque: We’re not yet in second wave of COVID-19 infections

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday disputed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III’s claim that the Philippines is now experiencing its second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections.

Medialdea questioned Duque's statement after reporters asked if President Rodrigo Duterte has issued directives on dealing with the second wave.

“Alam mo hindi pronouncement ‘yan ng Presidente or ano. Kailan ba lumabas ‘yang second wave? That we will have to see. Because as far as I know, wala pa tayo sa second wave,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Duque told the Senate that the country is already experiencing the second wave of COVID-19 cases, following the first wave in January that was composed of only three imported infections. 

“Dinadasal natin, malakas lang siguro tayo magdasal. ‘Wag natin i-expect, ‘wag nating asahan, puwede ba? Mahirapan tayo,” Medialdea said.

Epidemiologist Dr. John Wong, a member of the government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force, explained in a Department of Health press briefing that the three Chinese nationals who contracted the respiratory disease in January formed the “very small” first wave.

He added that the second wave is also the country’s “first major wave” of cases since it has exceeded the 10,000 mark.

The Philippines has logged 13,221 cases with 2,932 recoveries and 842 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon. — BM, GMA News