PGLU in Full Alert Against 2019 nCoV ARD

By: Renerose Beninsig, GPC-PHO | Date: February 11, 2020

Following Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III’s directive, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) led by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Eduardo Posadas gave its full assistance in preventing the entry of the 2019 Novel Corona Virus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019 nCoV ARD) in the Province of La Union.

The initial report of the three Patients Under Investigation (PUI) was referred by La Union Medical Center (LUMC) to Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) and was reported to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) on the afternoon of January 26, 2020. Immediate verification was done through coordination with LUMC Surveillance Nurse and further details on the cases were gathered. Two PUIs in Lorma Medical Center were also reported to PHO on February 5, 2020.

These five PUIs were all tested negative from 2019 nCoV ARD as reported by Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on February 9, 2020. They are now symptoms free and awaiting to be discharged from the hospitals.

To intensify the prevention of entry of 2019 nCoV ARD in the province, the PHO, heightened its surveillance on Influenza-like Illness (ILI) cases and massive information dissemination through the distribution of IEC materials to private and district hospitals. Intensified coordination with concerned personnel for the conduct of contact tracing was also done. On February 5, 2020, the PHO participated in the Special Inter-agency meeting for 2019 nCov ARD conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) - Center for Health Development I and Regional Risk Reduction Management Council I at Em Royall Hotel, Taboc, San Juan, La Union. On February 7, 2020, case investigation/ verification and follow-up at LUMC and meeting with Local Government of Agoo and Municipal Health Office were done. Also, surveillance teams inspected the Isolation room of LUMC in preparation for admission of PUIs and other disease cases that need isolation, continued close coordination with DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and Disease Reporting Units are being done.

The PHO advices the public to be vigilant, boost their immune system and practice proper health habits such as covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, washing hands regularly, and avoiding close contact with sick people among others. Also, share only information from the official site of the DOH, (www.doh.gov.ph/ 2019-nCoV).