DOH clarifies 31 PUIs for novel coronavirus

As of January 31, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) has clarified that there are 31 persons under investigation (PUIs) for the novel coronavirus in the Philippines.

This clarification came after an earlier report stated there were 56 'novel coronavirus-related health events'.

The DOH explained that the 56 events pertain to symptomatic patients with travel history from any region in China within the last two weeks, differentiating them from PUIs who have specifically traveled to Hubei province.

Of the 31 PUIs, one has been confirmed as the first positive case in the Philippines.

Two new suspected cases were reported in the 24 hours preceding the clarification, including a Chinese national and an American, who are admitted to separate hospitals.

A travel ban from affected areas in China is in effect, and a couple in Quezon City has been advised to self-quarantine.