PH reports 1st coronavirus death
Published Feb 2, 2020 12:00 am
By Analou De Vera and Argyll Geducos
A 44-year-old Chinese man from Wuhan, China, who tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) died last Saturday, making him the first novel coronavirus related-death outside of China, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Sunday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that the fatality was the second confirmed case of the new virus in the country. He was a companion of the country's first confirmed case: a 38-year-old Chinese woman who was also from Wuhan, China, who is now in stable condition at San Lazaro Hospital. It was recently reported that the two went to Cebu and Dumaguete before heading to Manila.
Since the DOH started its surveillance in early January, the number of Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) recorded was 36, including the two positive nCoV ARD cases. Of the 36 PUIs, 24 were found to be negative of the new virus.
Duque said the Chinese man was admitted for “isolation and supportive treatment” at the San Lazaro Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
"Both patients are from Wuhan, China and arrived in the Philippines via Hong Kong last January 21, 2020. The second confirmed case was admitted for pneumonia last January 25, 2020 after experiencing fever, cough, and sore throat," said Duque.
"Over the course of the patient’s admission, he developed severe pneumonia due to viral and bacterial infections. In his last few days, the patient was stable and showed signs of improvement, however, the condition of the patient deteriorated within his last 24 hours resulting in his demise," he added.
Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo said that the Chinese man died because of complications due to pneumonia.
The 38-year-old Chinese woman is now in stable condition but remains in isolation at the San Lazaro Hospital. "The patient has no symptoms; no fever, no cough," Domingo said.
He added that the 29-year-old Chinese man who died recently of pneumonia at San Lazaro Hospital was found to be negative for 2019-nCoV ARD. It was previously reported that the man tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
1st death outside China
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said that the death of the 44-year-old Chinese man has become the first 2019-nCoV ARD related -death outside of China.
"This is the first reported outside China. However, we need to take into mind that this is not a locally acquired case. This patient came from the epicenter of the outbreak--Wuhan, China, where there have been a very large number of cases," said Abeyasinghe.
"We are working together with the DOH to both minimize and contain the spread of the disease and also to strengthen management of possible cases of 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease," he added.
Duque said that they are now in close coordination with the Chinese Embassy regarding the management of the remains of the deceased patient. " to ensure the dignified management of the remains according to national and international standards to contain the disease," he said.
Domingo said that part of their preparations is the immediate cremation of the remains of the patient.
"We are now in coordination with the Chinese Embassy and we are scheduling the remains for cremation. When a person dies from infectious illness, part of the protocol is to cremate as soon as possible," he said.
Duque said that all measures needed to contain the spread of the virus is being strictly implemented and followed, particularly at the San Lazaro Hospital.
"San Lazaro Hospital has implemented rigorous infection control protocols while caring for these patients. Both patients were isolated following strict isolation standards, and all health personnel who came in contact with them practiced stringent infection control measures and wore appropriate personal protective equipment," he said.
Contact tracing
Duque said that the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau (EB) is currently conducting contact tracing of passengers aboard the flights of the two positive cases.
"EB has secured the manifestos of the flights and is in close coordination with the concerned airlines," said Duque.
"Contact tracing activities are ongoing in Cebu and Dumaguete, and in other places where the patients stayed and traveled to," he added.
The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in China had reached 304 as of the end of Saturday, the National Health Commission said. All the new deaths in China and most of the new infections of the flu-like coronavirus on Saturday were in Hubei.
Entry ban
President Duterte has banned the entry of all nationalities, except Filipinos, from China, including all those who went there before arriving in the Philippines as part of the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the 2019-nCoV ARD.
The President also approved the establishment of a repatriation and quarantine facility reportedly either in Caballo Island or a drug rehabilitation facility in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
According to presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, the ban now covers the entire China, including its Special Administrative Regions Hong Kong and Macau. It does not cover Filipino citizens and Permanent Resident Visa holders.
"For clarity, the ban is on the person of any nationality except that of Filipinos particularly specified above, coming directly from the places above-mentioned and arriving in the Philippines, and not of any flight," he said Sunday morning.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said President Duterte approved the guidelines recommended by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to prevent the spread of the 2019-nCoV ARD
Duterte approved the temporary ban on the entry of any person, regardless of nationality, except Filipino citizens and holders of Permanent Resident Visa issued by the Philippine Government, directly coming from China and its Special Administrative Regions.
The ban likewise covers those who have been in the said places, except Filipinos and Permanent Resident Visa holders, immediately preceding arrival in the Philippines within 14 days.
The Task Force was also given the authority, if necessary, to ban the entry of travelers from other areas with confirmed widespread 2019-nCOV ARD.
Filipinos are now also temporarily banned from traveling to China and its Special Administrative Regions.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the government is doing everything to prevent the spread of the 2019 nCoV ARD in the country and urged the public to stay calm and cooperate with authorities.
READ MORE: Duterte orders entry ban on all nationalities traveling from China except Filipinos
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Hermo Morente said he has directed all the bureau's airport and seaport personnel “to ensure that foreigners from Hubei will be restricted entry into the country.”
“We have likewise sent a notice to airlines and shipping agents requiring them to screen passengers before boarding to restrict the arrival of passengers who have visited Hubei in the past 14 days,” Morente said.
READ MORE: BI bans entry of all foreigners arriving from Hubei
Earlier, the BI suspended the issuance of the visa upon arrival for Chinese nationals to halt the arrival of Chinese tour groups.
Last Friday, immigration officers were also instructed to refer foreign nationals arriving from Hubei to the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) for rechecking.
A special team of immigration officers with medical background has also been assembled in coordination with BOQ to conduct immigration formalities, should Filipinos from Hubei province be repatriated.
Quarantine
The drug rehabilitation center in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija is being considered as a quarantine site for repatriated Filipinos from Wuhan, China.
This was discussed during the second meeting of the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases last Friday, said Duque.
Those who will be repatriated will be subjected to mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, said that no decision has been made yet about the proposed quarantine site.
Informed decision
“During my discussion with President Rodrigo Duterte last Saturday night on the government’s efforts to address the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease situation, I recommended to the President to implement a temporary travel ban on travellers coming from any part of China and its Special Administrative Regions, on top of the existing temporary travel ban imposed on those coming from Hubei province and other affected areas,” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said.
“This is in line with the recommendations of the Department of Health (DOH) as affirmed by members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases,” he said.
“Taking into consideration the concerns raised by key government officials and health experts, the President made an informed decision and has agreed to adopt this recommendation and implement it immediately as additional precautionary measure to protect Filipinos and everyone in the Philippines.”
Go emphasized that the government is not singling out Chinese nationals. “This order covers all travellers from China to the Philippines, regardless of nationality. We empathize with China given what they are going through, but we are doing this to protect the country and its people.”
He also said the Philippine government is committed to help China and other affected countries address this worldwide health concern.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III called on Sunday for the creation of an inter-agency body that would update the public on the medical status of the 2019 nCoV ARD and of the government’s actions to control the spread of the disease.
“It is best to have one information agency where all the data that the people would need can easily access. Our health officials are busy controlling the spread of the nCoV. It would be best if they can concentrate on the medical concerns of the patients,” Sotto said.
The Senate leader said the inter-agency shall have representatives from DOH for health updates, Department of Tourism (DOT) for travel information and tourism guidelines, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for market concerns, the Department of Finance (DOF) for economic and business matters, and local government units (LGUs) for community announcements.
Safety protocols
Panelo said the directives issued by the President, as well as the protocols being implemented, are all geared for the safety of the public and will last until the danger of the disease has ceased.
Heads of government departments and agencies, offices and instrumentalities, government-owned and -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units were directed to adopt, coordinate and implement the said guidelines and other guidelines the Task Force may issue regarding the matter.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and law enforcement agencies were also on standby and have been directed to give the necessary assistance to ensure the implementation of this directive to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.
Panelo renewed the Palace's call to the public to strictly observe measures undertaken on personal hygiene like washing hands regularly and wearing surgical masks when going around crowded areas when one has coughs and colds or has a fever.
Isolation
China is facing mounting isolation as other countries introduce travel curbs, airlines suspend flights and governments evacuate their citizens, risking worsening a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.
The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, but said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed.
However, some countries are responding to fears of the virus spreading by ramping up border controls. Singapore and the United States announced measures on Friday to ban foreign nationals who have recently been in China from entering their territories, and Australia followed suit on Saturday.
Russia introduced visa restrictions and will start evacuating Russian citizens on Monday and Tuesday, Interfax and TASS news agencies reported.
New Zealand and Vietnam also barred foreigners who have been in China, with Vietnam saying it would halt all flights to and from China.
Taiwan is asking its diplomats to talk to governments where Taiwanese airlines fly to ensure more flights are not cut off due the island's inclusion by the WHO as part of China due to the coronavirus outbreak.
More than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt on Saturday after being evacuated from Wuhan. Around 250 Indonesians were being evacuated from Hubei.
Japan plans to send another chartered plane mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in Hubei, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.
Japan also confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among an earlier batch of evacuees, including one who initially tested negative, the health ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.
US health officials on Saturday confirmed an eighth case of the coronavirus in the United States.
City outside virus epicenter in lockdown
The eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou restricted the movement of residents and closed roads on Sunday in the most drastic steps taken by authorities outside the epicenter of a deadly virus.
Only one resident per household is allowed to go out every two days to buy necessities, authorities said in the city of nine million, while 46 highway toll stations have been closed.
Zhejiang province has the highest number of confirmed cases outside central Hubei province at 661 confirmed infections, with 265 of those in Wenzhou.
The city -- which is more than 800 kilometers away by road from Wuhan, the epicenter -- has also cancelled public events and closed public places like swimming pools, cinemas and museums.
Wenzhou's metro line and public transport have also been suspended as have inter-province buses.
New confirmed cases also surged by 276 in nearby Huanggang. One death was reported in the city, about 60 km (37 miles) east of Wuhan.
Genetic traces of the coronavirus were found in the feces of some patients, said the health authority of Shenzhen, one of the most populous cities in China.
Some people are leaving Hubei on foot over a bridge spanning the Yangtze river, entering Jiujiang city in neighboring Jiangxi province.
Lu Yuejin, a 50-year-old farmer from a village on the Hubei side of the bridge, was trying to gain passage for her leukemia-stricken daughter on Saturday.
"Please, take my daughter. I don't need to go past... please, just let my daughter go past," Lu pleaded with the police.
Eventually, Lu and her daughter were both allowed through and an ambulance was called to pick them up. (With reports from Jun Ramirez, Hannah Torregoza, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse)
READ MORE: China virus death toll surges past 300
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that the fatality was the second confirmed case of the new virus in the country. He was a companion of the country's first confirmed case: a 38-year-old Chinese woman who was also from Wuhan, China, who is now in stable condition at San Lazaro Hospital. It was recently reported that the two went to Cebu and Dumaguete before heading to Manila.
Since the DOH started its surveillance in early January, the number of Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) recorded was 36, including the two positive nCoV ARD cases. Of the 36 PUIs, 24 were found to be negative of the new virus.
Duque said the Chinese man was admitted for “isolation and supportive treatment” at the San Lazaro Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
"Both patients are from Wuhan, China and arrived in the Philippines via Hong Kong last January 21, 2020. The second confirmed case was admitted for pneumonia last January 25, 2020 after experiencing fever, cough, and sore throat," said Duque.
"Over the course of the patient’s admission, he developed severe pneumonia due to viral and bacterial infections. In his last few days, the patient was stable and showed signs of improvement, however, the condition of the patient deteriorated within his last 24 hours resulting in his demise," he added.
Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo said that the Chinese man died because of complications due to pneumonia.
The 38-year-old Chinese woman is now in stable condition but remains in isolation at the San Lazaro Hospital. "The patient has no symptoms; no fever, no cough," Domingo said.
He added that the 29-year-old Chinese man who died recently of pneumonia at San Lazaro Hospital was found to be negative for 2019-nCoV ARD. It was previously reported that the man tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
1st death outside China
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said that the death of the 44-year-old Chinese man has become the first 2019-nCoV ARD related -death outside of China.
"This is the first reported outside China. However, we need to take into mind that this is not a locally acquired case. This patient came from the epicenter of the outbreak--Wuhan, China, where there have been a very large number of cases," said Abeyasinghe.
"We are working together with the DOH to both minimize and contain the spread of the disease and also to strengthen management of possible cases of 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease," he added.
Duque said that they are now in close coordination with the Chinese Embassy regarding the management of the remains of the deceased patient. " to ensure the dignified management of the remains according to national and international standards to contain the disease," he said.
Domingo said that part of their preparations is the immediate cremation of the remains of the patient.
"We are now in coordination with the Chinese Embassy and we are scheduling the remains for cremation. When a person dies from infectious illness, part of the protocol is to cremate as soon as possible," he said.
Duque said that all measures needed to contain the spread of the virus is being strictly implemented and followed, particularly at the San Lazaro Hospital.
"San Lazaro Hospital has implemented rigorous infection control protocols while caring for these patients. Both patients were isolated following strict isolation standards, and all health personnel who came in contact with them practiced stringent infection control measures and wore appropriate personal protective equipment," he said.
Contact tracing
Duque said that the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau (EB) is currently conducting contact tracing of passengers aboard the flights of the two positive cases.
"EB has secured the manifestos of the flights and is in close coordination with the concerned airlines," said Duque.
"Contact tracing activities are ongoing in Cebu and Dumaguete, and in other places where the patients stayed and traveled to," he added.
The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in China had reached 304 as of the end of Saturday, the National Health Commission said. All the new deaths in China and most of the new infections of the flu-like coronavirus on Saturday were in Hubei.
Entry ban
President Duterte has banned the entry of all nationalities, except Filipinos, from China, including all those who went there before arriving in the Philippines as part of the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the 2019-nCoV ARD.
The President also approved the establishment of a repatriation and quarantine facility reportedly either in Caballo Island or a drug rehabilitation facility in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
According to presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, the ban now covers the entire China, including its Special Administrative Regions Hong Kong and Macau. It does not cover Filipino citizens and Permanent Resident Visa holders.
"For clarity, the ban is on the person of any nationality except that of Filipinos particularly specified above, coming directly from the places above-mentioned and arriving in the Philippines, and not of any flight," he said Sunday morning.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said President Duterte approved the guidelines recommended by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to prevent the spread of the 2019-nCoV ARD
Duterte approved the temporary ban on the entry of any person, regardless of nationality, except Filipino citizens and holders of Permanent Resident Visa issued by the Philippine Government, directly coming from China and its Special Administrative Regions.
The ban likewise covers those who have been in the said places, except Filipinos and Permanent Resident Visa holders, immediately preceding arrival in the Philippines within 14 days.
The Task Force was also given the authority, if necessary, to ban the entry of travelers from other areas with confirmed widespread 2019-nCOV ARD.
Filipinos are now also temporarily banned from traveling to China and its Special Administrative Regions.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the government is doing everything to prevent the spread of the 2019 nCoV ARD in the country and urged the public to stay calm and cooperate with authorities.
READ MORE: Duterte orders entry ban on all nationalities traveling from China except Filipinos
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Hermo Morente said he has directed all the bureau's airport and seaport personnel “to ensure that foreigners from Hubei will be restricted entry into the country.”
“We have likewise sent a notice to airlines and shipping agents requiring them to screen passengers before boarding to restrict the arrival of passengers who have visited Hubei in the past 14 days,” Morente said.
READ MORE: BI bans entry of all foreigners arriving from Hubei
Earlier, the BI suspended the issuance of the visa upon arrival for Chinese nationals to halt the arrival of Chinese tour groups.
Last Friday, immigration officers were also instructed to refer foreign nationals arriving from Hubei to the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) for rechecking.
A special team of immigration officers with medical background has also been assembled in coordination with BOQ to conduct immigration formalities, should Filipinos from Hubei province be repatriated.
Quarantine
The drug rehabilitation center in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija is being considered as a quarantine site for repatriated Filipinos from Wuhan, China.
This was discussed during the second meeting of the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases last Friday, said Duque.
Those who will be repatriated will be subjected to mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, said that no decision has been made yet about the proposed quarantine site.
Informed decision
“During my discussion with President Rodrigo Duterte last Saturday night on the government’s efforts to address the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease situation, I recommended to the President to implement a temporary travel ban on travellers coming from any part of China and its Special Administrative Regions, on top of the existing temporary travel ban imposed on those coming from Hubei province and other affected areas,” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said.
“This is in line with the recommendations of the Department of Health (DOH) as affirmed by members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases,” he said.
“Taking into consideration the concerns raised by key government officials and health experts, the President made an informed decision and has agreed to adopt this recommendation and implement it immediately as additional precautionary measure to protect Filipinos and everyone in the Philippines.”
Go emphasized that the government is not singling out Chinese nationals. “This order covers all travellers from China to the Philippines, regardless of nationality. We empathize with China given what they are going through, but we are doing this to protect the country and its people.”
He also said the Philippine government is committed to help China and other affected countries address this worldwide health concern.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III called on Sunday for the creation of an inter-agency body that would update the public on the medical status of the 2019 nCoV ARD and of the government’s actions to control the spread of the disease.
“It is best to have one information agency where all the data that the people would need can easily access. Our health officials are busy controlling the spread of the nCoV. It would be best if they can concentrate on the medical concerns of the patients,” Sotto said.
The Senate leader said the inter-agency shall have representatives from DOH for health updates, Department of Tourism (DOT) for travel information and tourism guidelines, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for market concerns, the Department of Finance (DOF) for economic and business matters, and local government units (LGUs) for community announcements.
Safety protocols
Panelo said the directives issued by the President, as well as the protocols being implemented, are all geared for the safety of the public and will last until the danger of the disease has ceased.
Heads of government departments and agencies, offices and instrumentalities, government-owned and -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units were directed to adopt, coordinate and implement the said guidelines and other guidelines the Task Force may issue regarding the matter.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and law enforcement agencies were also on standby and have been directed to give the necessary assistance to ensure the implementation of this directive to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.
Panelo renewed the Palace's call to the public to strictly observe measures undertaken on personal hygiene like washing hands regularly and wearing surgical masks when going around crowded areas when one has coughs and colds or has a fever.
Isolation
China is facing mounting isolation as other countries introduce travel curbs, airlines suspend flights and governments evacuate their citizens, risking worsening a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.
The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, but said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed.
However, some countries are responding to fears of the virus spreading by ramping up border controls. Singapore and the United States announced measures on Friday to ban foreign nationals who have recently been in China from entering their territories, and Australia followed suit on Saturday.
Russia introduced visa restrictions and will start evacuating Russian citizens on Monday and Tuesday, Interfax and TASS news agencies reported.
New Zealand and Vietnam also barred foreigners who have been in China, with Vietnam saying it would halt all flights to and from China.
Taiwan is asking its diplomats to talk to governments where Taiwanese airlines fly to ensure more flights are not cut off due the island's inclusion by the WHO as part of China due to the coronavirus outbreak.
More than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt on Saturday after being evacuated from Wuhan. Around 250 Indonesians were being evacuated from Hubei.
Japan plans to send another chartered plane mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in Hubei, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.
Japan also confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among an earlier batch of evacuees, including one who initially tested negative, the health ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.
US health officials on Saturday confirmed an eighth case of the coronavirus in the United States.
City outside virus epicenter in lockdown
The eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou restricted the movement of residents and closed roads on Sunday in the most drastic steps taken by authorities outside the epicenter of a deadly virus.
Only one resident per household is allowed to go out every two days to buy necessities, authorities said in the city of nine million, while 46 highway toll stations have been closed.
Zhejiang province has the highest number of confirmed cases outside central Hubei province at 661 confirmed infections, with 265 of those in Wenzhou.
The city -- which is more than 800 kilometers away by road from Wuhan, the epicenter -- has also cancelled public events and closed public places like swimming pools, cinemas and museums.
Wenzhou's metro line and public transport have also been suspended as have inter-province buses.
New confirmed cases also surged by 276 in nearby Huanggang. One death was reported in the city, about 60 km (37 miles) east of Wuhan.
Genetic traces of the coronavirus were found in the feces of some patients, said the health authority of Shenzhen, one of the most populous cities in China.
Some people are leaving Hubei on foot over a bridge spanning the Yangtze river, entering Jiujiang city in neighboring Jiangxi province.
Lu Yuejin, a 50-year-old farmer from a village on the Hubei side of the bridge, was trying to gain passage for her leukemia-stricken daughter on Saturday.
"Please, take my daughter. I don't need to go past... please, just let my daughter go past," Lu pleaded with the police.
Eventually, Lu and her daughter were both allowed through and an ambulance was called to pick them up. (With reports from Jun Ramirez, Hannah Torregoza, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse)
READ MORE: China virus death toll surges past 300