They are now reporting that in the Philippines there are 140 confirmed cases, 12 deaths. That's a relatively high death rate compared to other countries, but it may just reflect largely unreported infections given there were only 2000 test kits available as of a day or so ago. There's a real possibility that Metro Manila has had a smoldering localized transmission problem that could burst into a real hotspot. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/15/Philippines-COVID-19-coronavirus-cases-deaths.html https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020...own-coronavirus-lockdown-200315121507679.html
state of calamity in Negros Oriental for now - I copy the facebook post from the local government and hope it is visible for everyone
Since this seems to be the main thread now, here are new travel guidelines from Philippines DOT based on yesterday's expanded quarantine announcement. There are some significant changes - and of course, as usual, probably subject to change and interpretation! "In line with the imposition of an Enhanced Community Quarantine and the Stringent Social Distancing Measures over the entire Luzon, including the National Capital Region (NCR), the following guidelines shall be implemented effective 12:00 AM of 17 March 2020 until 12:00 AM of 13 April 2020: 1. MRT-3, LRT-1, LRT-2, and PNR shall suspend its operations; 2. Operations of land transport modes such as public utility buses, jeepneys, taxis, Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), FX, UV Express, Point-to-Point (P2P) buses, and Motorcycle Taxis shall be suspended; 3. The DOT aviation sector shall let foreigners depart (outbound) from the Philippines within 72 hours upon the effectivity of the Enhanced Community Quarantine; 4. Airport operation shall be limited to outgoing flights carrying foreigners and tourists. Filipinos are not allowed to go outside the country; 5. Inbound flights will only be for repatriating Filipinos; 6. Land, air and sea travel of uniformed personnel for official business, especially those transporting medical supplies, laboratory specimens related to the COVID-19, and other humanitarian assistance, shall be allowed; 7. Only 1 (one) person per household is allowed to go outside their homes to buy basic necessities. Use of private vehicles for this purpose shall be allowed; and 8. Media vehicles and reporters shall be allowed to travel within the community quarantine area, provided that they secure a special media pass from the PCOO. All other specific details or requests for clarification shall be discussed and clarified in another IATF meeting to be held tomorrow."
According to the latest John's Hopkins newsletter there was a study that showed that previously infected but recovered macaques were immune to another infection. "The second study describes the potential for re-infection in rhesus macaques who had been infected and recovered. The study reintroduced the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the macaques and found that none showed notable viral loads five days after the reintroduction. The researchers suggest that these findings provide evidence that initial SARS-CoV-2 infection could offer protective immunity for those re-exposed. The duration of that protection is not known." That's at least something I guess.
I started a new thread, "covid 19 - as of 17 March" just consider posting there, not an admin, can't force it...
I get data from John Hopkins for the Philippines and add it to my home assistant program. Seems to be updated at least daily. Haven't checked their main page as I'm not interested in the specifics, only an overview. Maybe they have more information.
