Makati gov’t denies rumors of PUI for suspected nCoV at city hall

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati government has denied reports that there is a patient under investigation (PUI) for suspected novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) in Makati City Hall’s Building 1.

“Hindi po totoo ang kumakalat na balita na may Patient Under Investigation (PUI) ng nCoV dito sa Makati City Hall Building 1. [There is no truth on reports that there is a PUI for nCoV in Makati City Hall Building 1.],” read the statement posted on its official Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/MyMakatiVerified/photos/a.288372357951564/2560773947378049/?type=3&theater

The local government’s Health Emergency Management Team said the certain individual is not a PUI for the new virus. Makati government also noted that their health emergency team has the capacity to undertake initial screening for suspected cases of 2019-nCoV ARD.

“Ang Makati City po ay nananatiling negatibo sa kaso ng nCoV. [Makati City remains negative for nCoV.],” read the statement.

The local government appealed to the public to remain calm and stop spreading fake reports on 2019-nCoV ARD which caused 425 deaths and infected 20,438 people in China.

On Sunday, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto stressed that there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Pasig but noted that residents should observe proper health guidelines to prevent the spread of the 2019-nCoV ARD

“May mga makakapal ang mukha na gumagawa pa ng fake news tungkol dito [There are shamless people who are spreading fake news about the virus]… As of now, Feb2, we have ZERO CASES of the Novel Coronavirus,” Sotto said in a tweet.

“Pero kahit na walang kaso ng #nCoV sa Pasig, naghahanda pa rin tayo. [Despite recording zero cases of nCoV in Pasig, we should stay prepared.],” he added.

MAG-INGAT PERO HUWAG MAG-PANIC. May mga makakapal ang mukha na gumagawa pa ng fake news tungkol dito.

Galing po akong PCGH ngayon. As of now, Feb2, we have ZERO CASES of the Novel Coronavirus.

Pero kahit na walang kaso ng #nCoV sa Pasig, naghahanda pa rin tayo (see next tweet)

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) February 2, 2020

There are 80 persons under investigation for suspected 2019-nCoV ARD in the Philippines, the Department of Health previously said.

Two confirmed cases of the new virus were reported, of which, one has already died in the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.