Early Response to COVID-19 in the Philippines

Authors

Arianna Maever L. Amit, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Veincent Christian F. Pepito, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Manuel M. Dayrit, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with weak health systems are especially vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we describe the challenges and early response of the Philippine Government, focusing on travel restrictions, community interventions, risk communication and testing, from 30 January 2020 when the first case was reported, to 21 March 2020. Our narrative provides a better understanding of the specific limitations of the Philippines and other LMICs, which could serve as basis for future action to improve national strategies for current and future public health outbreaks and emergencies.

Recommended Citation

Amit, A. M. L., Pepito, V. C. F., & Dayrit, M. M. (2021). Early response to COVID-19 in the Philippines. Western Pacific Surveillance and Response, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2020.11.1.014