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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Don't worry about bubonic plague,' Palace assures public

'Don't worry about bubonic plague,' Palace assures public

Published Jul 9, 2020 03:15 pm

Malacañang told the public that there was nothing to worry about the case of bubonic plague in China's northern inner Mongolia region as the country's borders are still closed due to the present COVID-19 pandemic.

(FILE PHOTO)

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was "carefully monitoring" the said case in China --- where the COVID-19 outbreak started --- even though it was not yet being considered as high-risk.

In his Thursday press briefing, Roque said the public should not be alarmed and that the government was taking the report seriously.

"Well, siniseryoso po namin 'yan. Pero 'wag po kayong mabahala (We are taking this seriously but you don't have to be worried)," he said.

"Ang papasok po ng mga dayuhan sa Pilipinas ay hindi pa rin pinapayagan nang malawakan, case-to-case basis lang po (The entry of foreigners in the Philippines is still not allowed thought it is a case-to-case basis)," he added.

According to Roque, even though the country's borders are still closed, foreign nationals can request entry, especially if they have a valid reason for going to the Philippines.

"So sarado pa po ang ang ating mga borders, wala pong dapat ikabahala (our borders are still closed so there is nothing to be worried about)," he said.

It was reported that a herdsman was confirmed to be infected with the disease over the weekend. WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris has said that the case was being "well managed."

"Bubonic plague has been with us and is always with us, for centuries. We are looking at the case numbers in China. It's being well managed," she said.

"At the moment, we are not considering it high risk but we're watching it, monitoring it carefully," she added.

According to the WHO, the herdsman is now stable and is being treated at a hospital in Bayannur.

Chinese news agency Xinhua has reported that Mongolia had also confirmed two cases of the bubonic plague last week. They are brothers who had eaten marmot meat in Khovd province.

Read more: China steps up precautions after bubonic plague case

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