Novel Coronavirus 2019 2

March 15
Cases increase by 29 bringing the total number to 140 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. The Philippines currently has the highest case fatality rate.

March 16
Announcements stop midday as citizens wait apprehensively for news. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo announces that President Duterte elevates the status to Enhanced Community Quarantine for the entire Luzon. Some information has previously been released about the enhanced community quarantine which stated that there would be absolutely no one allowed to leave the house, use transportation or even buy food/medicine. Essential items were to be distributed/delivered by each local government unit. Knowing this, groceries were once again crowded with panic buyers who wish to stock up before the immediate lockdown. By the time President Duterte made his speech, many things were still left unclear. The statement was a prerecorded video from the night before which was edited for brevity and clarity. The government made a follow-up announcement which went into greater detail about the new rules of the quarantine. News also came out of one senator Zubiri who tested positive despite being asymptomatic. He was tested twice despite the known shortage of test kits in the country. He was tested despite the Department of Health's own protocol that states as of now that all asymptomatic patients are not to be tested. Patient count is 142.

March 17
China officially closes its makeshift hospital as they gain control of the infection.

In the Philippines, President Duterte declares State of Calamity for the entire country due to COVID-19. 45 cases were added with the total of 187 cases, 4 recoveries and 12 deaths.

March 18
Had to go out today to withdraw salary for our factory workers. I had to risk traveling without knowing if I would be caught by the police/military forces or not. Was stopped by 2 checkpoints and they allowed me to go after seeing my IDs. Cases increased to 222. More politicians and actors/actresses turn out positive for COVID-19. Are more people getting special treatment and accessing the test kits before the public?

March 19
217 patients, 17 deaths, 8 recoveries. A mayor of Pasig City, Vico Sotto, trends on social media. People from both sides of the political sphere alike praise his actions for his own city such as his support for employees, transportation for frontliners and patients, the use of drones and other tools for sanitization, food provisions for his constituents, and transparency for all that he does. At around 10 PM, an announcement for a Presidential press conference was announced for that night. He finally went on air at around 1 AM. Duterte addressed mayors and warned them "Do not try to overdo things on what you want to do because that is not allowed.". This is despite previous instructions to LGUs to do their best in dealing with the pandemic. He threatened lawsuits for mayors who fail to comply. Though he never mentioned specific names, most people know it was an attack on the 30 year old mayor of Pasig City.

March 20
230 cases, 18 deaths, 8 recoveries.

March 21
307 cases, 19 deaths, 13 recoveries. This marks the biggest increase in confirmed cases by far in the country. More than 100,000 donations of test kits from other countries came in today. DOH warned the people to expect a spike in the number of cases in the coming week.

March 22
380 cases, 25 deaths, 15 recoveries. Joined the Lung Center of the Philippine's COVID Ask Force today. It's free online consultation to help decongest the hospitals. Really glad there's an avenue for us to help out even in this simple way. Thank you to the creators (schoolmates! <3)

March 23
462 cases, 33 deaths, 18 recoveries. Ask Force at full force today. I noticed that many people really are anxious on top of whatever disease they may have. Psych support is needed more than ever. We also got news today that the new bill was passed today: House Bill 6616 or An Act to Declare the Existence of a National Emergency Arising from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation has been approved by the House Committee of the Whole. Parts that stand out are statements of full control of businesses, budget and the overruling of decisions given by this document. Act>Constitution.

What a time.