A descriptive analytics of the COVID-19 pandemic in a middle-income country with forward-looking insights

The outbreak of COVID-19 unleashed an unprecedented global pandemic, profoundly impacting lives and economies worldwide. Recognizing its severity, the World Health Organization (WHO) swiftly declared it a public health emergency of international concern. In response to this crisis, collaborative efforts have been underway to control the disease and minimize its health and socio-economic impacts worldwide. The COVID-19 epidemic curve holds vital insights into the history of exposure, transmission, testing, tracing, social distancing measures, community lockdowns, quarantine, isolation, and treatment, offering a comprehensive perspective on the nation’s response. One approach to gaining crucial insights is through meticulous analysis of available datasets, empowering us to effectively inform future strategies and responses. This study aims to provide descriptive data analytics of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, summarizing the country’s fight by visualizing epidemiological and mobility datasets, revisiting scientific papers and news articles, and creating a timeline of the critical issues faced during the pandemic. By leveraging these multifaceted analyses, policymakers and health authorities can make informed decisions to enhance preparedness, expand inter-agency cooperation, and effectively combat future public health crises. This study seeks to serve as a valuable resource, guiding nations worldwide in comprehending and responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and beyond.