CSMC confirms patient zero admitted to their facility

Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) confirmed that the first local case of COVID-19 in the Philippines, a 62-year-old male with no travel history, was initially admitted to their facility.

The patient was treated at CSMC before being transferred to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for further management.

CSMC stated that they have implemented all necessary precautionary measures and are adhering to Department of Health (DOH) protocols for quarantine, monitoring, and observation.

All individuals who had contact with the patient have been processed according to DOH protocols, and none have shown symptoms so far.

The DOH reported that this 62-year-old Filipino patient frequented a Muslim prayer hall in Barangay Greenhills, San Juan City, classifying his case as local.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III emphasized that the absence of travel history clearly indicates this is a local transmission.