14 Days Quarantine for Foreigners from China & Hong Kong

All foreigners coming from China and Hong Kong are now instructed to take the fourteen (14) days quarantine following the confirmed case of the first 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Negros Oriental. Executive Order No. 4, Series of 2020 was signed by Governor Roel R. Degamo yesterday, January 31, 2020. Face mask are now also the most bought product in pharmacies, drugstores, and department stores.

2019 Novel Coronavirus – Quick Summary

The Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) is a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before. Just like any coronaviruses, it as to come from animals. New and troubling viruses usually originate in animal hosts. Ebola and flu are other examples. The said Novel Coronavirus has spread mostly in Wuhan, China. Many of those infected either worked or frequently shopped in the Huanan seafood wholesale market in the center of the Chinese city, which also sold live animals and newly slaughtered animals.

Signs and symptoms of the virus are common colds, coughs, breathing difficulties, and when severe can cause organ failure. Since the Novel Coronavirus leads to pneumonia, antibiotics are no use.

14 Days Quarantine for Foreigners

The first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed last January 30, 2020. The individual traveled from Hongkong, then to the Cebu and finally in Dumaguete City. The individual then stayed at a hotel and in a resort in Dumaguete & in the province before going to Manila. Upon arriving in Manila, the individual was examined and was confirmed Coronavirus positive.

For health reasons, the Governor of Negros Oriental signed the Executive Order making a mandatory 14 days quarantine for all foreigners from Hong Kong & China in accordance with the rules and protocols established by the Department of Health (DOH). The Governor created the HOSPITAL INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM to be headed by Dr. Liland B. Estacion, the Assistant Provincial Health Officer to ensure the safety of all responders, address all concerns, and coordinate with the Department of Health and other government agencies for inter-agency cooperation. Official statements regarding the incident shall be addressed through the Provincial Information Officer (PIO Mr. Bimbo G. Miraflor for dissemination.

Face Masks in Dumaguete City – Safety First

Since the confirmed first case of the Novel Coronavirus, the majority of the public has worn disposable masks, face mask & handkerchief. Pharmacies, drugstores, and even department stores are receiving a high demand for these products. Also stated under the E.O. No. 4, Series of 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office inspects and monitor all outlets of a protective mask to determine whether said establishments are hoarding and overpricing the same and taking advantage of the situation.

The Novel Coronavirus is a serious situation, especially in Wuhan China. The transmission of the virus can be from one person to another. Here are some advises from the World Health Organization to prevent the virus from spreading:

• Clean hands as frequently as possible with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
• Cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when coughing and sneezing – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough;
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
• When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
• The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.