453 PUIs test negative for virus — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday announced that 453 out of 521 persons under investigation (PUIs) have tested negative for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

At a press conference, DOH Assistant Secretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire noted that with almost nine in 10 individuals who were investigated for COVID-19 testing negative for the virus, the DOH said the number of cases is now “decreasing.”

She said that 22 cases have pending test results while the rest have yet to submit specimens for testing.

Vergeire said there has also been a decline in admitted PUIs because of the DOH’s “strengthened surveillance, assessment and management interventions for the COVID-19 health event.”

Data show that there were 171 PUIs admitted in various health facilities nationwide while 350 others have been discharged. One Chinese man died. 

But despite this, the official stopped short of saying that the threat of COVID-19 in the country is subsiding. 

“Although we see a decreasing trend, the department will not be complacent and will be more vigilant as we brace for the possibility of local transmission,” she added.

Vergeire has asked the public to protect themselves against the virus by washing their hands regularly and observing cough etiquette.

“We should always be ready for the possibility of local transmission in the future – which we hope will not happen. We cannot assume we are OK because the trend is going down and then we will stop doing things,” she said. 

Contact tracing

Vergeire said that 221 people who made close contact with the Chinese couple from Wuhan, China – the country’s first and second confirmed cases of COVID-19 – have completed the required home quarantine procedures.  

The male Chinese patient died at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila while the woman has reportedly recovered.

A total of 45 contacts were categorized as PUIs and were admitted in hospitals while 31 others have been discharged. 

Authorities had also identified 740 persons who made contact with another Chinese woman, 60, the third confirmed COVID-19 case in the country. 

Some 255 have been traced, including her co-passengers in a fast craft and contacts from hotels and hospitals.

On the travel ban being imposed to and from the Philippines, she assured the people that the Interagency Task Force (IATF) is set to draft the guidelines on the ban. 

She said the DOH had presented its recommendation to IATF in determining the countries that should be covered by the ban.

“In our recommendation, the other agencies must also give their inputs so that we will know what is for tourism, labor, health. We have to make it as comprehensive as possible and health should not be our only basis,” Vergeire maintained.  

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also clarified that there is no ban on public gatherings but precautionary measures against COVID-19 should still be strictly observed.

DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said local government units could continue organizing public gatherings but safety guidelines should be strictly implemented.

“While they may continue with public gatherings at their discretion, we wish to remind the general public to wash your hands regularly and to seek medical attention if signs of cough, colds, sore throat and fever appear,” he said.

Still, Malaya said that LGUs should ensure that all participants should be monitored and provided with hand sanitizers or alcohol. 

The public is also encouraged to use surgical masks during public events.

Malaya issued the clarification following an advisory from the Department of Health last week that recommended the cancellation of big events until further advice to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. 

The DILG said the new policy that allows public gatherings was issued following the meeting of the IATF on Emerging Infectious Diseases last Friday with the Department of Tourism and DOH. 

LGUs were directed to closely coordinate with their DOH counterparts so that they are properly guided with medical personnel on standby during these events. 

“We have to show to our constituents that we have their safety in mind so let’s issue the necessary advisories before we hold these public meetings and events,” Malaya added. – With Romina Cabrera