Quezon City hospitals alerted vs coronavirus

Manila, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has ordered local hospitals to intensify surveillance and support efforts on reporting suspected cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) for early detection.

Belmonte noted that there are no confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in the country, but cited the importance of not being complacent.

She asked the public to take precautionary measures to prevent the possibility of being infected with the viral disease.

“Kahit wala pang kumpirmadong kaso ng 2019-nCov sa bansa, hindi tayo puwedeng mag-relax. We need to be vigilant and report suspected cases of nCoV to authorities,” Belmonte said.

She said the city government has been coordinating with hospitals to review protocols on how to handle the viral disease if it reaches the country.

Dr. Rolando Cruz, head of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, directed hospitals to review their protocols to prevent the spread of the SARS-like illness.

Belmonte said the local government is also readying medical equipment and protective gear for hospital workers in coordination with the Department of Health. 

Residents were encouraged to practice proper hygiene and seek medical attention if they have flu-like symptoms, especially those who have traveled to Wuhan, China. 

The city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has readied two ambulances with isolation covers and around 8,000 N95 masks.