BACOLOD CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) here urged Bacolodnons
to disclose travel information and report to health authorities if they have
signs and symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Dr. Grace Tan, spokesperson of the city’s inter-agency task force
against nCoV, made the call on Monday afternoon as the CHO received a report that
two individuals considered as suspected nCoV cases are now isolated at the
Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in this city.
The two male patients, who are tagged as persons under investigation or
PUIs, include a 43-year-old Canadian expatriate who has traveled to Taiwan, and
a 12-year-old with a history of travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
However, the two are not residing in Bacolod, although they are from
areas within Negros Occidental.
Tan said that PUIs are those who manifest signs and symptoms, have
history of travel to affected countries, and exposure to a confirmed case.
“If the person satisfies these criteria, and goes to a hospital, he or
she will be considered a PUI for admission. A swab sample will be taken (from
the person). It will be sent to the (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine)
in Manila for confirmation,” she added.
“There are no cases in Bacolod, but we appeal to the public not to
withhold information if you have history of travel to China, Macau, Hong Kong,
Taiwan and any neighboring countries,” Tan said.
She also urged those who have signs and symptoms within 14 days after
arrival to see a doctor or go to a
hospital for check-up.
According to the Department of Health, common signs of coronavirus
infection include flu-like and respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, and
breathing difficulties.
“If you withhold information, health authorities will find it difficult
to trace and contain (the situation),” Tan said.
“We don’t have to panic, but we need to be vigilant when it comes to
receiving information. There are so many false information coming out that
cause people to panic,” she said.
In Bacolod, Mayor Evelio Leonardia created last Friday the inter-agency
task force against nCoV to properly address the rapidly emerging health threat,
create a standard protocol in dealing with the threat of nCoV, and coordinate
with the national and local crisis management committees in addressing the
epidemic. (PNA)
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