DOH advises public against attending concerts, large events amid nCoV threat

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has advised the public against attending concerts and participating in events with huge crowds amid the threat of the novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).

“With the ongoing threat of the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus, the Department of Health strongly urges the public to avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees,” read an advisory from the DOH.

The advisory was signed by Health Sec. Francisco Duque III on February 7.

The DOH likewise recommended the cancellation of planned big events or mass gatherings “until further advice.”

“To further minimize the risk of contracting 2019-nCoV ARD, the public is advised to avoid crowded places and continue to practice self-protection measures,” the agency added.

A command center focusing solely on the disease has been set up by the DOH to expedite coordination and communication among government agencies involved in the response and management efforts.

“We would like to assure the public that all measures to contain the potential spread of the 2019-nCoV infection are being explored, studied, and implemented to keep the Filipino people safe from the threats of this infectious disease,” the advisory noted.

There have been 910 deaths due to the virus as of Sunday, all recorded in mainland China, where the virus broke out, besides the two fatalities in the Philippines and in Hong Kong.

More than 40,000 individuals have been infected by the virus globally, mostly in China. Three confirmed cases have been recorded in the Philippines, including the Chinese man who died on Feb. 1; his partner, a Chinese woman who is now negative of the virus based on her latest test; and another Chinese woman who had already returned to China.