Andanar asks public to stop
discrimination amid nCoV scare
MANILA – As the 2019 novel coronavirus (n2019-nCoV)
has stoked fears worldwide, Presidential Communications Operations Office
(PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar cautioned Saturday the public against actions
that may discriminate people suspected of being infected by the virus.
In
a press statement, Andanar appealed to the public to stay “calm, level-headed,
and compassionate,” assuring them that there have already been global efforts
to stop the 2019-nCoV epidemic.
“As
the issue of a viral outbreak affects everyone, let us not engage in
discriminatory behavior, nor act with any bias towards our fellowmen. The
reality is everyone is susceptible to the virus,” the PCOO chief said.
“We
should not let fear turn us against one another, especially if these fears are
unfounded. We must not stigmatize people, especially when they are at their
most vulnerable, but empathize with them instead,” he added.
Discrimination
against Chinese tourists has been reported in several countries, amid public
fears of acquiring the deadly infectious disease.
The
new strain of the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China, has spread to
over a dozen countries, many of which are Southeast Asian nations, including
the Philippines.
The
death toll from the 2019-nCoV outbreak in China has already climbed to 259, the
Chinese government announced on Saturday.
The
number of people in China afflicted with new coronavirus has also surged to
nearly 12,000.
Andanar
ensured that the Duterte government is already coordinating with other
countries and their government health agencies, as well as with international
health organizations to contain the 2019-nCoV.
“Preventing
the outbreak of the 2019-nCoV is not something we can do alone,” he said.
“Let
us not resort to panic, sow fear-mongering or spread misinformation.
Solidarity, empathy, and cooperation are what we need to successfully take
actions that will overcome this health concern,” Andanar added.
He
also advised the public not to hoard face masks and create an unnecessary
scarcity that may prevent others, including health workers and sick people,
from protecting themselves against the virus.
Gov't
agencies ‘concerted effort’
The
World Health Organization has declared the 2019-nCoV outbreak as a global
health emergency.
So
far, a 38-year-old Chinese tourist from China, the first 2019-nCoV patient in
the Philippines, is undergoing proper medical treatment at San Lazaro Hospital
in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Andanar
guaranteed that there is a “concerted effort” from government agencies to
implement necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of China’s
novel coronavirus to many parts of the Philippines.
“With
the first case of 2019-nCoV confirmed yesterday and the World Health
Organization having declared the virus as a public health emergency of
international concern, we have intensified our preventive and control measures.
It is a concerted effort being taken by our different agencies, to ensure that
an outbreak is avoided,” he said.
Andanar
noted that the Local Government department has already advised local government
units (LGUs) to create their respective Coronavirus Task Force, which will
ensure that local health authorities have the necessary equipment and are
trained in the prevention, control, and containment of the 2019-nCoV.
The
coronavirus task force is also tasked to make sure that those suspected of
being infected with 2019-nCoV are referred and transported to the Department of
Health (DOH)- designated-coronavirus referral center or hospitals, he said.
Andanar
said LGUs are also mandated to promote public awareness on the 2019-nCoV
threat, while the Education department continues to conduct information
campaigns in schools and several communities.
Meanwhile,
the Department of Transportation and its attached agencies have implemented
safety protocols as early as January 23, and are in close coordination with the
DOH and the Bureau of Quarantine to secure transport terminals and monitor
arriving passengers, Andanar said.
Andanar
said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has reactivated its
communicable disease preparedness procedures on all airports, especially those
with international flights.
The
Civil Aviation Board, on the other hand, has immediately and indefinitely
suspended all air services operations between Wuhan and any point in the
Philippines, he said.
“Airport
frontline personnel have been advised to follow precautionary measures, to
exercise extreme vigilance in handling passenger arrivals, and to strictly
monitor those who may be infected by the virus,” Andanar said.
To
ensure safe public land transportation, Andanar said the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has asked franchise holders to ensure
that all public utility vehicle drivers and conductors are wearing face masks
“at all times.”
Andanar
added that the LTFRB has asked terminal operators to ensure proper sanitation
and provide face masks and disinfectants or sanitizer for “free” for
passengers.
He
also assured the public that ship owners and operators have already been
advised by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to install necessary
medical equipment and equip their personnel with full information about the
virus to ensure effective monitoring of 2019-nCoV.
Andanar
said the MARINA has already put in place monitoring procedures like body
temperature tests for people entering its building, wearing of masks for its
frontline personnel, the provision of alcohol dispensers at its entrances and comfort
rooms, and the regular sanitation of its premises.
To
keep the public informed, Andanar said the PCOO has also activated its “Laging
Handa (Always Ready) communications team that will provide information and
updates from government agencies with regard to the 2019-nCoV through all
government media platforms.
“These
measures are all being undertaken by various government agencies to contain the
spread of the virus,” he said.
“We
enjoin the public to be vigilant and conscientious, and to work with the
authorities and follow their prescribed procedures and precautionary measures.
Preventing the spread of the virus is a shared effort, which requires the
cooperation of everyone,” Andanar added. (Ruth Abbey
Gita-Carlos/PNA)
