By Marjaleen Ramos
There are now five confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced on Thursday.
The patient is a 26-year old male resident of Barangay Bagong Lipunan ng Crame in Quezon City. He has no recent travel history.
Belmonte, in an interview on DZMM Teleradyo, said the patient went to two private hospitals and was initially diagnosed with dengue.
“Nagpunta po siya sa dalawang private hospitals na po, sa second private hospital na po siya nasabihan na ito ay COVID19 tapos wala na pong lugar, kaya ito ay pinauwi pa. Medyo nakakatakot. Tapos kanina sinundo ng DOH ,” Belmonte said.
The patient’s family is now under quarantine and will also be tested for COVID-19, Belmonte added.
Belmonte said it was not clear yet if the patient is among the 49 individuals who tested positive for the COVID-19 in the country. “I'm assuming iba po siya doon sa 49, I might be wrong.”
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the rising number of COVID-19 infections as pandemic with more than 124,000 cases in 118 countries and 4,500 deaths.