The Philippines reported 50 deaths yesterday to bring the total to 297. The death rate had been in the 20s, so it may be an escalation. Considering that the Chinese spread the infection here in January there must be a reason why the outbreak in Manila is not like New York City. The reported cases are over 4600 now but it is testing limited and not a valid measure. What is clear is that there are no signs of a large number of deaths occurring in peoples homes as I was anticipating.
Some Filipinos I know are in favor of the BCG vaccine hypothesis plus the higher temperatures. The vast majority of Filipinos do not have air conditioning and when they gather they tend to gather outside, such us on the street, an alleyway, under a tree, or a covered but open sided basketball court. I will be watching for results of the BCG vaccine testing, to see if it is more than a epidemiological coincidence. About 90% of babies born here get the vaccine. It may be that I am safer here from Covid than in the US after all.