House takes protective measures against nCoV
MANILA, Philippines — From temperature check to free protective masks, the House of Representatives is taking several measures amid the threat of novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV in the country.
In a memorandum issued Monday, the House of Representatives reminded its members, employees, and visitors to avoid crowded places, observe proper personal hygiene, and avoiding contact with sick persons to prevent the risk of exposure to the virus.
Further, members and employees are also urged to practice self-quarantine measures for 14 days if they visited countries with confirmed cases of the virus and arrived in the Philippines on January 20 onwards while those who did not travel but are sick should see a doctor and stay home.
“After a febrile illness, there should be a one day fever-free interval (without taking anti-fever medications) before the resumption of regular activity. Medical clearance should be secured from the HRep clinic or any medical facelift before reporting back for work,” the memorandum states.
In terms of measures taken by the House, security personnel are stationed in entrances of its premises to check the temperature of lawmakers, employees, and visitors.
If a person has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and above, they will be sent to the clinic, a security personnel told INQUIRER.net.
Security personnel here at the House of Representatives are checking the temperature of those entering the premises amid the threat of nCoV. If a visitor or lawmaker has a temperature of 38 degrees or higher, he/she would be sent to the clinic. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/LYLhAsiXuU
— Neil Arwin Mercado (@NAMercadoINQ) February 3, 2020
A tent is also being set up outside the entrance of the north lobby which would serve as holding areas for persons suspected to have contracted the virus.
The House of Representatives said it would distribute protective masks and gloves to front liners, as well as supply liquid soap, sanitizers, alcohol, and disinfectant sprays in men’s and ladies’ rooms, entrance lobbies, offices, and other designated areas.
As of Monday, there are two confirmed cases of the virus in the country—both are Chinese nationals.
One of the confirmed cases, a 44-year old Chinese man, died on Saturday, February 1, making him the first nCoV death outside China.
The Philippine government has imposed a temporary travel ban on visitors from mainland China and its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau.
