By Stacy Ang

MANILA — There is no confirmed case of novel coronavirus involving a Chinese national at the Metropolitan Hospital in Binondo, Manila, the Manila Health Department said on Monday, January 27.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso also called on the public to avoid sharing unverified information online and offline to avoid worsening the public’s anxiety.

The MHD made the report to the Mayor as unverified information on social media of an alleged coronavirus case were spreading online.

MHD’s  Acting  City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Pangan described  the patient as a Chinese national,  27-year old male, who was working at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

The POGO worker, Pangan said, was hospitalized at Metropolitan Hospital last January 25, 2020 due to fever and cough.

Pangan said the worker reportedly resides on the boundary of Pasay and Paranaque Cities.

“Case is a 27-year-old male, arrived in the Philippines as POGO worker last January 8, 2020. He is from Obei, China,” Pangan said in his report to the Manila City Mayor.

“MHD Surveillance Team, in coordination with DOH (Department of Health) surveillance, and as per investigation, patient has fever and cough but negative on history of travel to Wuhan, China, and no history of exposure to a host or positive case,” he stressed.

Pangan said the POGO worker was diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia.

“As of the moment, the patient is well and does not have fever,” Pangan said.

“The MHD is in continuous effort of intensive information dissemination in our public schools and respective barangays regarding precautions on stopping transmission of coronavirus,” he said.

The coronavirus scare on social media has apparently compelled several schools in the nation’s capital to suspend classes on Monday.

The schools are:  Philippine Academy of Sakya, Saint Stephen’s High School, Saint Jude Catholic School,  Chiang Kai Shek College – Padre Algue and Narra branches, and Uno High School.

The Mayor urged the public to avoid panicking amid the scare. He also stressed that they should avoid sharing unverified information.

Domagoso  also encouraged all citizens to immediately proceed to the nearest clinic or health center if they feel they are suffering from symptoms of the virus.    

“Hindi ikinikibit-balikat ang sitwasyong ito. Be vigilant. Huwag kayong maiilang. Huwag muna masyadong mag-alala. Tayo po ay makinig sa mga lathalain, panawagan ng mga tamang tao at ahensya ng gobyerno,” Domagoso said.

“Ngayon naman, sa lahat ng ating mga barangay, nakikisuyo ang ating MHD na kayo’y makipagtulungan by just being vigilant. Kayo rin, tayong lahat, huwag kayong matatakot kapag kayo ay may ubo. Mas maganda magpagamot at magpa-check up,” he added. (IAMIGO/CPH)