Gov't purchasing oxygen delivery devices for COVID-19 patients — Palace

The Philippines has decided to purchase oxygen delivery devices to be used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, Malacañang announced on Tuesday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government placed an order for 200,000 units of high-flow nasal cannula. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier vowed to look for funds for this purpose.

“Mas mabuti daw po kaysa sa ventilators na gamitin kasi ito po ay nagbibigay na ng oxygen doon sa mga pasyente,” Roque said in a televised briefing.

“Napatunayan na worldwide na tunay pong life-saving machines itong mga ito.”

The Philippines has so far reported 82,040 COVID-19 cases, according to the Department of Health.

There are 53,649 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 90% of which are mild, 9.1% are asymptomatic, 0.5% are severe, and 0.4% are in critical condition.

Experts from the University of the Philippines earlier projected that COVID-19 cases in the country would soar past 85,000 by the end of the month, which Malacañang said may prompt Metro Manila’s return to a modified enhanced community quarantine. —KBK, GMA News