THE Department of Health (DOH) in Northern Mindanao said Tuesday, January 28, that the 29-year-old foreigner who was admitted in a hospital in Camiguin for suspected novel coronavirus was discharged after three days.

"During admission, nawala ra pud diritso ang fever. Paggawas nga negative ang laboratory result, gi-clear rapud dayon siya for discharge (During admission, his fever dissipated and he was discharged after laboratory results showed that he was negative of coronavirus)," said Dr. Ian Christian Gonzales, DOH Infectious Diseases Cluster head.

He said the foreigner, who voluntarily admitted himself to the hospital, was a traveler from Wuhan, China and visited the Philippines for a vacation.

READ: Suspected 2019-nCoV patient in Camiguin tests negative

He said a person who has history of travel from Wuhan, China and who has been in contact with a coronavirus case will immediately be considered as person under investigation (PUI) for a possible infection, especially if he or she is showing symptoms of the disease such as fever, cough, and colds.

Gonzales, however, allayed fears that the virus may reach Northern Mindanao, pointing out that the region has lower risk of getting the virus since it has no international airport.

The DOH-Northern Mindanao assured the public that measures are in place and that hospitals are ready against novel coronavirus.

Gonzales reminded the public that staying healthy is still the best defense against the virus.

"If you are sick, let us avoid exposing others. Stay at home. If you need to go out, wear masks, and wash hands often using soap and water or alcohol or hand sanitizers," he said.

"Staying healthy is important because viral diseases attack persons with low immune system," he added.