Help gov’t address Wuhan coronavirus by not spreading fake news – solon

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV in the country, a lawmaker on Thursday enjoined the public to help authorities by not spreading fake news and alarmist messages.

According to KABAYAN Party-list Ron Salo, the public must only heed reminders and announcements issued by the Department of Health (DOH).

“As Chair of the House Committee on Public Information, I appeal to everyone to read and share the official statements of the Philippine Department of Health concerning coronavirus,” Salo said.

“Let us leave the expert stuff to the experts,” he added.

DOH confirmed on Thursday afternoon that a 38-year-old Chinese tourist has been found infected with the new coronavirus that started in the city of Wuhan, China. The Chinese woman came from Wuhan and arrived in the Philippines on January 21.

She was admitted to a government hospital on January 25 due to mild cough. But DOH said the patient “is currently asymptomatic” while confined in a Manila hospital.

The Chinese tourist has a travel history in Cebu and Dumaguete, health authorities also said.

But even before this confirmation for the government, fake news about the 2019-nCoV was prevalent on social media prompting local government units and business establishments to issue statements to clarify matters.

Edited by KGA

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