2 Filipinos from Wuhan test negative for COVID-19, says DOH

MANILA, Philippines – The two diarrhea-stricken Filipinos repatriated from Wuhan in China’s Hubei province tested negative for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said the one-year-old male and the 34-year-old female who were among the 32 repatriated Filipinos from the epicenter of the outbreak were admitted on Tuesday to the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in Pampanga but will be sent back to the New Clark City quarantine zone.

“May dalawa tayong dinala [sa ospital] (We brought two to a hospital). However both tested negative for the 2019-nCoV and will be sent back to the New Clark City to complete their 14-day quarantine period,” he said in a press briefing.

The Athletes’ Village of the New Clark City serves as a quarantine area for repatriated Filipinos from the virus’ ground zero who arrived in the country on Sunday.

The quarantine period will end on February 23, 2020.

Diarrhea is considered an “unusual symptom” of the virus infection, according to Domingo, noting that it has been observed on some patients in China. More common symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, and colds.

“We are checking on our repatriates twice a day to ensure that they are being properly being cared for. We will provide them with sim and cell cards for those who don’t have mobile access within the facility so that they can contact their families,” said Domingo.

Personnel taking care of the repatriates are also organizing daily activities for those undergoing quarantine at the facility, according to the health official.

“We are likewise facilitating the psychosocial processing to ensure their mental well-being while they are there in quarantine,” he added.

RELATED STORY

Patients under coronavirus watch breach 400 mark — DOH

GSG, JE