IBA, Zambales — The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here confirmed on Thursday the first positive case of new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the province.
Noel Bueno, Provincial Health Officer II, said the first Covid-19 case is a 73-year old US citizen residing in Barangay San Gregorio, San Antonio, this province, with a travel history to Cavite and Manila.
Bueno said the patient returned to this province last March 15 and developed Covid-19 symptoms of fever and diarrhea the following day.
He said the patient sought medical consultation at Our Lady of Lourdes International Medical Center in Olongapo City and later referred to the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital.
The patient underwent a test and the result showed he was positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.
Bueno said the patient is currently in stable condition and was advised to continue strict self-quarantine and monitoring at home.
“Contact tracing is still ongoing while samples will be collected among those in close contact and had exposure with the patient,” Bueno said in a statement.
He also said that they released the information for public awareness so that proper precautions could be observed.
“We encourage everyone to strictly comply with social distancing, practice proper personal hygiene, cough etiquette and isolation,” he added. (PNA)
