DOH Launched Official Webpage For Coronavirus Updates

Written by Marc Adrian

In light of the recent Coronavirus outbreak, the Department of Health (DOH) has launched an official webpage dedicated to providing prompt updates on the current developments surrounding the country’s Novel Coronavirus situation.  

As of January 28, 2020 (Monday), there is no confirmed case of the said virus in the Philippines. There were a total of 27 persons under investigation (PUIs) earlier today at 12:00nn. And as of writing, 3 were already discharged but are still under observation, 18 are pending for RITM screening, and 6 are pending for VIDRL (Australia) confirmatory results.

On the other hand, DOH has also released its official plan of action to contain the situation. Together in their situational report, they have rolled out strict infection protocols in DOH hospitals to manage future persons under investigation. Stricter border patrol to monitor passengers not just from Wuhan but from Hubei province have also been implemented. 

The DOH has also launched its 1st inter-agency task for (IATF) for the management of emerging infectious disease recommendations on Filipinos living in Hubei. This task force will basically provide continuous support to Filipinos in China and will provide returning Filipinos comprehensive transportation and quarantine plan. 

Filipinos are also discouraged from traveling to China.

The DOH advises the public to remain calm but vigilant in dealing with the matter. To minimize the risk of acquiring flu, it also reminded the public to do the following:

• Always practice hand hygiene.
• Observe proper cough etiquette by maintaining distance and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your elbow. 
• Avoid close contact with people manifesting flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid contact with farm and wild animals. 
• Cook food properly.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle to mount immunity against infection.