MANILA -- Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday urged the hospitals in the city to intensify surveillance and support efforts on reporting possible cases for early detection as precautionary measure against the novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV.
“Kahit wala pang kumpirmadong kaso ng 2019-nCoV sa bansa, hindi tayo puwedeng maging kampante at mag-relax. Kailangang maging mapagmatyag pa rin tayo at agad iparating sa kinauukulan kung may nakita tayong mga posibleng kaso ng nasabing sakit upang ito’y matugunan agad (Even if there is no confirmed case of 2019-nCoV in the country, we can't be complacent and relaxed. We need to be vigilant and inform the authorities about the possible case of the disease for immediate response),” Belmonte said in a statement.
Belmonte also urged the public to call Hotline 122 to get more information about the disease.
Dr. Rolando Cruz, head of the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, encouraged local residents to practice proper hygiene as it could help them stay healthy.
"They should wash their hands often with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and use hand sanitizer as much as possible," Cruz said.
He also advised local residents to wear masks if they have symptoms of respiratory illness, like cough or colds, and stay at home if there are no pressing engagements outside.
“They should also cover their mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands thereafter. Seek immediate medical attention if they have flu-like symptoms, especially those who have history of travel in China in the last 14 days," he added.
Belmonte said the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has two ambulances with isolation covers and around 8,000 pieces of N95 masks ready for use if the need arises.
The city government is also closely coordinating with the Department of Health for updates and important health advisories. (PNA)
