Statement
of Secretary Martin Andanar on the reported cases of COVID-19 in PH
We
continue to enjoin the public to remain calm as the Department of Health (DOH)
continues to attend to the new confirmed cases of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus
(COVID-19) reported yesterday and today, and address the implications of the
country's confirmed local transmissions.
The
DOH continues to be proactive in addressing the confirmed cases and containing
the spread of the virus. It is also in touch with the Office of the President
in monitoring the developments.
With
the confirmed local transmission, the Department of Health has raised its alert
to Code Red Sub-Level 1 and has recommended for President Duterte to declare a
Public Health Emergency in order to fast track needed concerted actions and
logistics to address the outbreak.
The
Office of the President has made note of DOH's suggestion and has agreed that
the President will make the announcement after judiciously taking into
consideration all the factors needed in deciding to declare an emergency.
The
government is on top of the situation and will continue to undertake necessary
actions in containing the spread of this virus. In line with this, we again
continue to seek everyoneβs participation and cooperation on this matter by
continuing to be vigilant, heeding advisories, and by following the preventive
measures of DOH of washing or sanitizing their hands, avoiding contact with
people who are sick, and observing proper cough etiquette.#
(Statement
of Secretary Martin Andanar on the reported cases of COVID-19 in PH, March 7,
2020/PCOO)
