Central Visayas DOH says no lockdown needed yet vs coronavirus

CEBU CITY – The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH) has called on residents in the region not to panic despite the local transmission of the deadly COVID-19 in Manila.

“They should just be vigilant,” said DOH regional director Jaime Bernadas at a press conference on Monday (March 9).

He said he cannot suggest restrictions in domestic travel as this would be a “political decision” of local government units.

Bernadas added that the alert level does not require a lockdown, though.

“Curtailment of travel is not a health decision to make,” he said.

Bernadas sought to assure the public that the regional health offices are prepared and will be taking all steps necessary to prevent local transmission in Central Visayas.

He said the DOH’s Incident Command System is already in place and has enough personnel to handle the situation.

Bernadas, however, said the public should not be complacent and remember to wear personal protective device whenever necessary or when they are in contact with persons displaying symptoms of the COVID-19 or other respiratory problems.

The public should also report to the DOH people who have had foreign travel and have exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.

As of today, Bernadas said that Central Visayas no longer has any person being monitored or surveilled for the virus.

There is also no confirmed case of the coronavirus aside from that involving transient Chinese nationals reported earlier.

Edited by TSB