By Argyll Cyrus Geducos  Communications Secretary Martin Andanar assured the public that the government is implementing necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Andanar gave the assurance after the confirmation of the first case of the virus in the country and following the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) declaration that the virus is a public health emergency of international concern. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (PCOO / FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN) “We have intensified our preventive and control measures. It is a concerted effort being taken by our different agencies, to ensure that an outbreak is avoided,” he said. Andanar said the PCOO has activated its Laging Handa communications team to provide information and updates from government agencies regarding the 2019-nCoV through all government media platforms to keep the public informed. Local government The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has advised local government units (LGUs) to create their respective Coronavirus Task Force to enforce stringent measures and intensify their information campaign on the 2019-nCoV and report immediately possible contamination in their respective areas. In compelling LGUs to form their respective Coronavirus Task Forces, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año, in Memorandum Circular 2020-018, cited a provision in the Constitution and the Local Government Code which provides that LGUs are in charge of the promotion of health and safety within their jurisdictions. As such, Año emphasized the LGU “must take the lead in the prevention and control of the coronavirus at the local level”. He issued the order after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the first 2019-nCoV case patient in the Philippines. This prompted all government agencies and the private sector to adopt precautionary measures to prevent contagion. “We need to be preventive now that there is a confirmed 2019 nCOV case in the country. Our governors, city and municipal mayors and DILG regional directors must ensure that the coronavirus will not thrive in their backyards,” Año said. Transportation Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies have implemented safety protocols as early as January 23. Andanar said the DOTr has been closely coordinating with the DOH and the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) to support in securing transport terminals and in monitoring arriving passengers. To contain the spread of the 2019-nCoV, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has reactivated its communicable disease preparedness procedures on all CAAP-operated airports, especially those with international flights. Airport frontline personnel were likewise advised to follow precautionary measures, to exercise extreme vigilance in handling passenger arrivals, and to strictly monitor those who may be infected by the virus. The Civil Aviation Board (CAB) also resolved to immediately and indefinitely suspend all air services operations between Wuhan and any point in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has mandated all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors to wear face masks at all times and have asked franchise holders to ensure compliance. Terminal operators were also directed to ensure proper sanitation and provide face masks and disinfectants or sanitizers for free, for passengers to use. The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), on the other hand, advised ship owners and operators to take the necessary measures to monitor the 2019-nCoV and to report suspected cases. They were also asked to install necessary medical equipment and to equip their personnel with full information about the virus. "The Marina has put in place monitoring procedures such as body temperature tests for people entering its building, wearing of masks for its frontline personnel, and the provision of alcohol dispensers at its entrances and comfort rooms. Its premises are also being regularly sanitized," Andanar said. Keep calm Andanar, however, sought the public's cooperation as the government undertakes measures to contain the spread of the virus. "We enjoin the public to be vigilant and conscientious, and to work with the authorities and follow their prescribed procedures and precautionary measures. Preventing the spread of the virus is a shared effort, which requires the cooperation of everyone," he said. "We appeal to the public to remain calm, level-headed, and compassionate, as we all work towards dealing with and containing the threat of the 2019-nCoV spread," he added. (With a report from Chito Chavez)