Bacolod hospital treating 2 suspected cases of coronavirus

By Nanette Guadalquiver 

REFERRAL HOSPITAL. Two males, aged 43 and 12, are currently admitted at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, which is the referral medical facility for the novel coronavirus in Bacolod City. The two are persons under investigation or PUIs after being considered as suspected cases of nCoV. (PNA-Bacolod file photo)

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)

BTA adopts resolution to prevent entry of 2019-nCoV in Bangsamoro Region

Cotabato City —The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has adopted the Resolution No. 186, urging the concerned agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs) of the Bangsamoro Government “to adopt and implement measures to prevent the entry of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the areas Bangsamoro Region” on Friday, January 31.

The resolution was adopted during the 30th session of the BTA's first regular session held in Cotabato City.

The said resolution was proposed and authored by Members of the Parliament, Atty. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, House Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong, Atty. Omar Yasser Sema, and Engr. Don Mustapha Loong.

MP Adiong said in a statement on Friday's session, “the resolution was adopted to mobilize concerned ministries and LGUs within BARMM to formulate preventive measures in order to protect our constituents from the reach of this epidemic".

Section 22, Article IX of Republic Act 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, states that the Bangsamoro Government is mandated "to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them as well as uphold the people’s right to have access to essential goods, health, and other social services the promote their well-being.”

“The Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament is fully aware of the threat of 2019-nCov on the safety of our public,” Adiong noted.

Relative to the resolution, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) has released a memorandum order on January 31, directing all the LGUs in the region to take all measures necessary to prevent the entry and/or spread of the virus in the Bangsamoro.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Education (MBHTE) will “conduct a public awareness campaign” regarding the said virus.

MOH will also distribute appropriate masks, disinfectants, and other hygiene kits.

What is 2019-nCov?The Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCov is an acute respiratory decease that was first detected on December 31, 2019 in Wuhan, China. Aside from China, the virus has spread in other parts of the globe. Sixteen other countries have confirmed cases of the 2019-nCoV.

According to a report from World Health Organization (WHO), there are 7,783 confirmed cases of 2019-nCov as of January 30, 2020, wherein the majority came from mainland China. It was also reported that at least 170 people have died caused by the virus.

On Thursday, January 30, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the first person-to-person 2019-nCoV case in the Philippines—a 38-year old Chinese woman from Wuhan, China.

As of writing, the DOH reported thrirty-one (31) patients under investigation (PUIs). Twenty-three (23) of these are now admitted and isolated, six (6) PUIs were already discharged but strictly monitored, one (1) confirmed case, and one (1) PUI mortality.

Because of this global situation, the WHO declared today, January 31, the 2019-nCoV as "public health emergency of international concern".

In line with this declaration, the public is advised to be more vigilant, observe proper hygiene, strengthen immune system by eating healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid crowded places. (Bureau of Public Information)