THE Department of Health (DOH)-Central Luzon has activated its emergency response team as precautionary measure against the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

According to Dr. Jessie Fantone, DOH-Central Luzon Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit head, the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital will be the center of the health operations in the region.

To further ensure the region’s preparedness, Fantone said heightened community surveillance, enhanced case management and hospital readiness, and intensified dissemination and community engagement were also put in place.

He added that the Bureau of Quarantine also remains on alert and continuously works closely with airlines and airport authorities for stricter monitoring of all ports of entry.

He reminded the public to constantly practice proper coughing etiquette, proper hand hygiene, cooking of food thoroughly, especially meat and eggs, and avoid spitting in public.