PH reports first coronavirus death outside China

The Philippines reported its first death due to the novel coronavirus, a 44-year-old Chinese man from Wuhan, marking the first fatality outside of China.

He had traveled from Wuhan to Hong Kong before arriving in the Philippines, and his death was attributed to complications from severe pneumonia.

This individual was the second confirmed case in the country, while the first confirmed case, a 38-year-old Chinese woman, remains in stable condition.

President Duterte has implemented a travel ban on all nationalities from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, which was an extension of an initial ban covering only Hubei province.

Vice President Robredo called for a more aggressive government response and urged President Duterte to address the public directly.

Airlines have suspended all flights from the affected areas, and contact tracing is ongoing for passengers on flights with confirmed cases.

Strict infection control measures are in place at San Lazaro Hospital, and the government is considering repatriation and quarantine for Filipinos returning from Wuhan.