Self-quarantine for family of COVID-19 patient in QC ordered

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has ordered the family of the 57-year-old Filipino from District 1 who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to undergo self-quarantine.

“The QCHD (Quezon City Health Department) is also tasked to interview household members about the extent of the activities of the patient. They will also be instructed to self-quarantine, which is equivalent to ‘house arrest’ as they need to stay home for 14 days,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement on Monday.

While in home quarantine, the family of the patient will be monitored twice a day for any sign of respiratory illness, including fever, coughs, and colds, according to Belmonte.

The patient, considered as the 10th confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country, is currently isolated at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

“Based on information, the PUI had visitors from China, United States, and Davao since December,” said the mayor.

Belmonte said she instructed the QCHD to immediately trace individuals who have come in close contact with the patient, and to implement measures to contain the virus.

The mayor likewise advised the public to avoid crowded places and to observe proper sanitation and coughing etiquette amid the threat of the disease.

“We also call on local residents to get information from the city’s official Facebook page (fb.com/qcgov) and Twitter account @QCGov. Anything else is unofficial,” she said.

According to Belmonte, the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) will conduct a refresher course for Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams in District 1 on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and how they can help in monitoring cases of COVID-19.

She said the QCDRRMO will also distribute PPEs to barangay first responders.

EDV