QC mayor urges vigilance vs novel coronavirus amid no confirmed PH cases

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is urging the public to remain vigilant and practice precautionary measures against the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) amid global fears, although no confirmed cases have been reported in the Philippines.

The Quezon City government is encouraging local hospitals to intensify surveillance and reporting of potential cases for early detection.

Residents are advised to practice proper hygiene, including frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and using hand sanitizer.

Those experiencing respiratory symptoms like cough or colds are encouraged to wear masks, stay home if possible, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and seek immediate medical attention if they have flu-like symptoms, especially with recent travel history to China.

The city's Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit head, Dr. Rolando Cruz, stressed the importance of declaring travel history to healthcare workers.

Local hospitals have been reminded to prepare for possible 2019-nCoV infections and to review past protocols like those for SARS.

The city's DRRMO has prepared two ambulances with isolation covers and approximately 8,000 N95 masks.

Mayor Belmonte also highlighted that the city government is coordinating with the Department of Health for any necessary provision of protective gear.