Virus scare goes pfft as tourist tests negative for coronavirus

By FROILAN GALLARDO
Special Correspondent with
SHIELA MAE BUTLIG
Correspondent

HEALTH authorities yesterday said a tourist suspected to have contracted the Novel coronavirus tested negative of the deadly disease.

Camiguin provincial health officer Gretchen Cabalang said the patient’s condition was stable, and the tourist was scheduled to be discharged from the hospital.

Cabalang said a team of physicians from the Department of Health regional office went to the province and examined the patient.

“We would like to assure the general public [that] we will contiue to monitor the person,” Cabalang said in a statement.

She said they would also be monitoring the traveling companions of the tourist who came with the patient to the resort island.

Cabalang did not mention the nationality of the patient.

In a news conference in Manila, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said 11 people are under strict monitoring for suspected infection of the respiratory illness.

Duque said these persons were confined in hospitals in Camiguin Island, Muntinlupa City, Pasay City, Kalibo in Aklan, Tacloban, El Nido in Palawan, and Cebu City.

Duque said all of the patients presented had symptoms: fever, cough colds, some shortness of breath, and a travel history in Wuhan, the epicenter of the deadly Novel coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental’s health chief downplayed fears about the deadly virus making its way to the province.

Dr. Jerie Calingasan, provincial health officer, said municipal health offices across Misamis Oriental have been given instructions to monitor and to step up the campaign for good hygiene, specificially, frequent hand washing.

“Kinahanglan i-implement gyud ang hand washing kay vulnerable kaayo ang mga bata… I already sent an advisory to the municipal health offices,” Calingasan said.

He also advised people to boost their immune systems by having healthy lifestyles. “One way to keep yourself healthy: matulog ug sayo, walay inom…”

Calingasan also called “fake news” reports about the virus making its way to neighboring Camiguin. He said that until the Department of Health (DOH) confirms it, then it’s “fake news.”