THE Visayas and Mindanao each confirmed their first case of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) Wednesday, March 11.
A 54-year-old Filipino confined at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City is the first confirmed Covid-19 case in Mindanao.
In the Visayas, the first case is a 65-year-old Filipino male who was brought to Silliman University Medical Center in Dumaguete City.
They are among the 16 additional Covid-19 cases announced by the Department of Health (DOH) Wednesday afternoon, bringing the total to 49.
According to Dr. Ian Gonzales, the Department of Health (DOH)-Northern Mindanao Infectious Diseases Cluster head, the man was initially treated in Iligan City and was referred to NMMC.
"The travel and contact history of the man is still being validated," he added.
Meanwhile, the 65-year-old Filipino was confirmed positive for Covid-19 by health authorities during a press conference organized by the Negros Oriental Provincial Government on Wednesday night.
Dr. Liland Estacion, Negros Oriental Integrated Provincial Health Office assistant officer, said the patient had recently traveled to Metro Manila for a meeting.
Estacion said the patient was initially admitted at the Ace Dumaguete Doctors Hospitals in Barangay Daro, Dumaguete City on March 7 but was transferred to the Silliman University Medical Center and is currently on isolation.
While admitted at the ADDH, health personnel took throat and nose swabs on the patient.
Estacion said as of Wednesday, the patient is experiencing severe pneumonia and is on ventilator.
She said they are currently conducting contact tracing on the patient's previous whereabouts, including checking on the flight manifest of the Philippine Airline (PAL) flight from Manila to Dumaguete.
She also urged passengers that may have been with the patient to surrender themselves to health authorities for examination if they manifest flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Socrates Villamor, head of the Department of Health (DOH)'s Dumaguete office, said despite the patient's condition, he cannot be considered as a case of "local transmission."
But Villamor assured that they are prepared in the case of a local transmission.
Health officials in both provinces urged the public to remain calm.
Meanwhile, Gonzales reminds the public to practice the HANDS: Hand washing regularly; Avoid crowds; Never cough without a tissue or handkerchief; Do wear a mask only if sick or in healthcare settings; and Seek early consultation.
"HANDS preventive measures still apply, but more emphasis on the A for avoidance of crowds now that we have local case," Gonzales said.