A 21-YEAR-OLD woman, who traveled from the United Kingdom, is the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Davao Region, the Department of Health Davao Center for Health Development (DOH-DCHD) reported.
In a statement on Sunday evening, DOH-DCHD said the patient is identified as PH130. Her laboratory results was confirmed by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM)
DOH-DCHD reported that PH130 "arrived in the Philippines from the United Kingdom with lay-over via Doha, Qatar to Manila then to Davao on February 29, 2020."
"The patient first sought consultation to a local health facility due to cough and was immediately isolated on March 9, 2020. She was transferred and admitted for isolation and testing to a referral hospital last March 10, 2020. She is currently in stable condition," the agency said.
DOH-DCHD assured the public that "all necessary containment measures are being implemented to prevent local transmission of the virus."
It added that it is now closely coordinating with concerned local government units (LGUs) and the hospital where the patient is admitted. This will allow the agency and the LGUs to implement concerted actions on identifying persons who had interaction with the confirmed case, strengthening infection prevention and control protocols, and for further developments arising from this health event.
DOH-DCHD said, "Persons who will be identified to have close interaction with the confirmed case will be interviewed and assessed for proper management."
“We request those who will be identified as close contacts to the confirmed case to fully cooperate and provide necessary information for proper management and facilitation. Being personally responsible in order to control Covid-19 is an essential action in this challenging situation,” DOH-Davao regional director Annabelle P. Yumang said in a statement.
DOH-Davao reported that to date, there are 50 PUI cases in the region. Of this number, 29 have been discharged while 21 are admitted to two government hospitals in the region. It also reported that 25 PUIs have already tested negative for Covid-19. At prested, 13 still have pending results from RITM while seven samples are set to be sent to the institute.
Earlier this evening, the mayors of Davao City and Tagum City issued a joint statement on the partial lockdown of the two largest cities in the region. Both cities host two major government hospitals -- the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City and the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
However, the confirmed Covid-19 case was not mentioned in the statement.
Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio and Tagum City Mayor Allan L, Rellon said, "There is a need immediately to be aggressive and proactive on the impending spread of Covid-19 in Davao Region."
Shortly after the release of the statement, Rellon issued Executive Order 2020-35 declaring the entire Tagum City under community quarantine.
Duterte-Carpio, on Sunday afternoon, also released Executive Order No. 10 series of 2020 declaring Davao City under community quarantine.
Then in the evening, Duterte-Carpio issued Executive Order No. 11 ordering a partial lockdown in Lasang Checkpoint.
According to the EO, public and private vehicles traveling from Tagum City are prohibited from entering Davao City.
It also states that those whose final destination is beyond Davao City, will be escorted in groups to the border checkpoint where they will exit.
Residents of Tagum City who are working in Davao City will not be allowed to enter the city.
The EO also states that supply chain or delivery vehicles will be allowed entry to Davao City. Emergency vehicles are also allowed to enter the city.
Those who have medical procedures in Davao City are also allowed to enter provided that they must show proof.