ILOILO Representative and former Health secretary Janette Loreto-Garin has urged her constituents and the public not to panic and take precautionary measures after the announcement of the country's first confirmed case of 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).

"The 2019-nCoV will not survive without a host, thus let us stop the virus on its tracks by practicing proper hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Practice the coughing and sneezing etiquette: kung uubo or babahing (if coughing or sneezing), cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and dispose of it properly and immediately or with your upper sleeve. Do not hold your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands. Avoid crowded places if you are immunocompromised. Iwasan din gumamit ng pagmamay-ari ng iba tulad ng towel, panyo, toothbrush, baso o tumblers at mga kubyiertos," Garin said.

She said the people should take care of themselves by eating well and exercising. "The best way to combat this is to have a strong, healthy body."

She also said the people rushing to buy surgical masks because of the country's confirmed case will not help contain the virus.

"Surgical masks are running out of stock. Pity those who really need it to prevent bacterial infections and those mandated to avoid allergens and pollutants because of their existing illnesses. Again, surgical masks don't prevent 2019-nCoV. N95 does. N95 masks are to be used by healthcare providers of these patients and those in ground zero and outbreak areas. Let's reserve our N95 masks and PPEs because if cases in the Philippines increase and we don't have supplies anymore, it will be a disaster," Garin said.

She said while the 2019-nCoV ARD is still being studied thoroughly, "let us not panic but instead focus on how we can contribute."