Working Filipinos comprise the bulk of coronavirus cases in the Philippines, with individuals who were most mobile driving increases in new infections among communities. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told reporters on Friday, August 14, that data showed that a majority of the cases were in productive age groups – Filipinos aged 20 to 59. 

“Sila ‘yung lumalabas nagtatrabaho, bumalik sa pamilya, magkakasakit, mag-i-infect ng ibang may sakit (They are the ones who go out to work, come back home, and if they are sick, they infect others who will become sick),” she said in a press briefing.

The detailed breakdown of cases, based on official data, is as follows: 

• Below 10 years old: 3,500+
• 10-19: 6,249
• 20-29: 37,188
• 30-39: 34,700
• 40-49: 23,939
• 50-59: 18,087
• 60-69: 10,687
• 70-79: 4,000+
• 80 and above: 1,000+

Key takeaways

For weeks now, the Department of Health has pointed to increased mobility and contact among populations as some of the factors behind the rising number of cases and sustained community transmission in the Philippines. 

Findings that the bulk of cases were among working Filipinos reflect earlier findings that identified at least 63 clusters of cases found in workplaces, accommodations, and transportation. 

“The drivers of the infection, when we look at it, are those who leave their houses and when they return, they bring back the infection to their homes. Part of this group which goes out of their houses are those who work and we assume that they are the ones who carry these infections, and these are the productive age groups,” Vergeire said. 

When at home, individuals who may not know they have the coronavirus may also infect children, Vergeire added, explaining the nearly 10,000 cases seen among those aged 19 years old and below. 

Like Vergeire, National Task Force Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr earlier said hospitals were reporting recent COVID-19 infections were coming from workplace common areas and family celebrations. 

As the number of cases grew to nearly 150,000 patients, with 2,426 deaths, in the Philippines, health officials renewed their pleas to follow health standards like wearing of masks and practicing physical distancing. Starting Saturday, August 15, workers and commuters would be requiredto wear face shields as well. (READ: What you can do to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic) – Rappler.com