The Department of Health confirmed today, Jan. 30, that a 38-year-old Chinese woman is the first patient in the Philippines to test positive for novel coronavirus (nCoV). According to DOH Secretary Francisco Duque II, the patient was asymptomatic or showed no signs of fever when she was admitted to a government hospital last Jan. 25.
After the news broke out, Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged the government to implement an immediate “temporary China-wide travel ban” to ensure the safety of Filipinos. She also suggested a mandatory quarantine for travelers who just came from China.
“I am also urging our government to extend assistance to all OFWs in China who want to be repatriated due to threat of exposure to the novel coronavirus,” Hontiveros added. “Sa mga gusto umuwi galing China, dapat tulungan nating makauwi.” (We should help those who want to come home from China.)
The first nCoV case was identified in Wuhan, China, which is believed to be the place of origin of the viral infection. Some studies show that nCoV came from the bats and snakes, but it wasn’t confirmed how the virus is transmitted from animal to humans. As of writing, more than 7,700 people have been infected worldwide and 170 have died.
While this may be scary news for many people, DOH ensured everyone that they are coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and local government in monitoring the nCoV situation in the country.
This is the best time to remind everyone to not panic. Make sure to wash your hands properly and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If you feel sick, go to a hospital and get checked. It’s better to keep yourself and the people around you safe rather than spreading unnecessary fear.
Also, remember to not be racist towards Chinese people. You can call for preventive measures and hold the government accountable for their shortcomings without generalizing the Chinese as dirty or uncivilized.
Photos courtesy of Inquirer.net
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