BREAKING: DOH confirms second case of nCoV in PH, says patient died Saturday
MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday confirmed another case of the novel coronavirus in the Philippines, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to two.
In a press briefing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the second case involved a 44-year old Chinese man who was admitted to San Lazaro Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila for pneumonia after experiencing fever, cough, and sore throat.
The Chinese man died on Saturday, February 1.
“Over the course of the patient’s admission, he developed severe pneumonia. In his last few days, the patient was stable and showed signs of improvement,” Duque said.
“However, the condition of the patient deteriorated within the last 24 hours resulting in his demise. We are currently working with the Chinese Embassy to ensure the dignified management of the remains according to national and international standards to contain the disease,” he added.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said this was the first reported case of nCoV-related death outside China.
The Chinese man was the companion of the 38-year old Chinese woman who was earlier confirmed as the first case of nCoV in the country.
Both patients are from Wuhan in China and arrived in the country last January 21.
Duque, meanwhile, said that 24 patients under investigation (PUIs) tested negative from the disease as of Saturday, February 1.
The health secretary assured that all measures needed to contain the spread of the virus are being strictly implemented and followed.
Duque said that their epidemiology bureau of their department is contacting passengers aboard the flights of the two patients who tested positive for the disease.
San Lazaro Hospital, Duque added, has implemented rigorous infection control protocols and all health personnel who came in contact with the patients practiced infection control measures and wore appropriate personnel protective equipment.
“We are continuously recalibrating our plans and efforts as situation develops. We are providing the public with constant updates and advisories as frequently as possible,” Duque said, while reiterating to the public to follow their advisories and refrain from sharing unverified information.
The public is further advised to observe proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Sunday morning confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to impose a temporary travel ban on visitors from mainland China, including its special administrative regions, Hong Kong, and Macau.
This is a developing story. Please refresh this page for updates.