By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo said with the first case of novel coronavirus confirmed by the Department of Health, the Duterte government has raised serious concern on the health and safety of the Filipino people.

In a statement released today, Secretary Panelo said the Department of Health received President Rodrigo Duterte’s instruction to begin the prepared protocols to contain the disease and neutralize its transmission.

He said the Chinese woman afflicted with the “dreadful illness” came from Wuhan and flew to Hong Kong and later to Cebu and traveled to Dumaguete and landed at NAIA (Manila International Airport) on January 25.

“She is presently confined at San Lazaro. Per DOH Secretary Duque, the patient is being treated and isolated. There is no way that she will transmit the disease to another person as the hospital personnel are protectively dressed and their mouths and noses covered with surgical masks,” Secretary Panelo said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was said to have recommended to President Duterte to ban Chinese nationals and all travelers coming from Hubei Province of China where the nCOV originated as well as in other places in China where the virus has spread.

“It will last until the threat is over given that the safety of our countrymen is foremost in the President’s mind,” Secretary Panelo added. He added the Department of Health is doing its mandate to contain the spread of the “dreadful virus” and monitoring and placing in quarantine those showing symptoms of having the 2019-nCOV.

Proper hygiene is a preventive measure including regular washing of hands and wearing surgical masks in crowded places, Secretary Panelo added.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)