Manila says it has no confirmed coronavirus case

January 27, 2020

The Manila Health Department clarified there are no confirmed case of novel coronavirus in the city.

Despite circulating unverified information on social media, the Manila Health Department said there are no positive cases of novel coronavirus involving a Chinese national at the Metropoliltan Hospital in Binondo.

According to Arnold Pangan, Manila City Health Officer, the Chinese national was a 27 year-old male who was working at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO). He was hospitalized last Saturday due to fever and cough.

"Case is a 27 year old male, arrived in the Philippines as POGO worker last January 8, 2020. He is from Obei, China," explained Pangan in a report to Manila City Hall.

"MHD Surveillance Team, in coordination with DOH surveillance, and as per investigation, patient has fever and cough but negative on history of travel to Wuhan, China, and no history of exposure to a host or positive case," he added.

The health officer said the POGO worker was diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia. Pangan stressed that the suspected victim had no history of travelling to Wuhan City - where the virus originated.

Pangan also said the patient has not yet shown signs of weakness and fever.

"The MHD is in continuous effort of intensive information dissemination in our public schools and respective barangays regarding precautions on stopping transmission of coronavirus," he said.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno urged everyone to avoid sharing unverified and fake information regarding the virus. Moreno said these information will only cause panic. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS