THE four patients under investigation (PUI) for novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) are currently at the two state-run hospitals' isolation facilities in Davao Region.
Health authorities, however, assured that their conditions are not on a serious level.
Department of Health (DOH) Davao Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (Resu) head Dr. Cleofe Tabada said in a press conference Tuesday, February 4, that four patients were admitted at Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) and Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
"These are the two isolation facilities in Region 11 (Davao) for now, although we're trying to set up isolation in level 2 and level 3 facilities but so far, yong dalawa pa muna. May laman 'yong dalawang [facility]," Tabada said.
There were previously five PUIs based on DOH 2019-nCoV case tracker in Davao, but Tabada said the first PUI in the region was already discharged after the patient was already asymptomatic, or does not manifest symptoms any longer.
But close monitoring is still being implemented while the result for the samples has not yet arrived.
"Two of them are currently having mild symptoms. If they have cough, hindi naman ganon kadalas, as they were when they came, hindi nag-progress. 'Yong iba better na, ang iba, hindi na nagfe-fever. They're actually generally [okay] and not [on a] problematic stage," she added.
DOH expanded the criteria for PUI. From just those who have traveled to Wuhan, they now include those who came from mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong.
Included also in the criteria are: if a person has lower respiratory illness such as cough and fever, and if a person had contact with an infected person.
The PUIs will be isolated until they reached the 14-day incubation period from the time they were exposed.
The DOH had also sent their swab samples to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa to determine the virus.
One of the PUIs, who is a Filipino, arrived in Davao City onboard Cathay Pacific on Sunday, February 3, from Hong Kong. After the Bureau of Quarantine detected his high body temperature, the person was then referred to the Resu and brought to isolation for testing.
Some of the PUIs have been isolated for two to three days as of Tuesday, February 4, and have not exhibited severe symptoms. But since they are not sure how the virus works, health authorities are not taking chances.
The PUIs will be isolated until they test negative for the new virus.
Meanwhile, DOH-Davao Assistant Regional Director Dr. Lenny Joy Johnson-Rivera assured that the two hospitals in the region are equipped to accommodate should one of the PUIs test positive for 2019-nCoV.
"As of the moment, we assure that the hospital is very equipped and can handle the case. Kung titingnan natin, the signs and symptoms are just like acute respiratory infection and currently, when it comes to infection control, PPEs (personal protective equipment), and (hospital) equipment, ready naman ang SPMC and DRMC," Johnson-Rivera said.
She called on the public, especially those who have travel history to China, to seek consultation if they feel signs and symptoms.
The DOH reiterated to the public to practice prevention measures such as proper handwashing, observance of cough etiquette, and maintaining healthy lifestyles for added resistance against infectious disease.