Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #14
2 March 2020
To The University Community
From Norman Dennis E. Marquez, MD
University Physician
Subject Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #14
Situation summary:
- From DOH, a total of 638 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) recorded; 3 are confirmed (+) for SARS-CoV-2; 592 tested (-); 43 pending results (as of 12nn, 2 March 2020)
- From the repatriated Filipinos on board M/V Diamond Princess who are quarantined in the Athletes’ Village, 14 have manifested sore throat and respiratory symptoms; 10 tested (-) for COVID-19 while 4 have pending results
- The DOH claims that the decreasing number of new PUIs may be attributed to strengthened surveillance, early travel restrictions, and enhanced laboratory processes
- Science Journal reported that Duke-NUS Medical school in Singapore developed an antibody assay to diagnose COVID-19, instead of using PCR
- The WHO maintains that the outbreaks reported so far have occurred primarily within clusters of cases exposed through close contacts, within families or special gathering events; COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through droplets from, and close contact with, infected individuals
- WHO continues to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COIVD-19 outbreaks; travel bans to affected areas or denial of entry to passengers coming from affected areas are usually not effective in preventing the importation of cases but may have a significant economic and social impact
- There are now 60 total number of countries with reported COVID-19
o China, Singapore, S Korea, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, UK, Russia, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Sweden, UAE, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Austria, Croatia, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, Belarus, Netherlands, Norway, Greece, Estonia, Croatia, Algeria, Nigeria, Romania, North Macedonia, Denmark, Georgia, Lithuania, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Monaco, Qatar
General preventive measures:
- Proper hygiene practices and effective hand-washing techniques
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing then properly dispose of used tissue paper as infectious waste
- Keep a distance of at least 1 meter (around 3 feet) from a person suspected of having SARS-CoV-2 infection or flu-like signs and symptoms
- Avoid touching eyes after coughing/sneezing
- Do not spit just anywhere
- Proper handling and disposal of wastes; used masks should be considered as infectious waste and should be disposed of properly
- Avoid unnecessary assembly or mass gathering, especially in closed venues
- Gargle with warm saline solution 2-3x a day when having cough and sore throat
- Hydrate regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Process raw food properly/hygienically and cook food well
Members of the community and visitors to the Ateneo campuses are highly encouraged to inform/call the Office of Health Services/Infirmaries in their respected units (for students and visitors) or OHRMOD (for faculty, professionals, administrators, staff) if you manifest the following:
- fever WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- fever, cough/cold, difficulty breathing WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- severe acute respiratory infection requiring hospitalization WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- fever or signs and symptoms of respiratory infection within 14 days of close contact with any of the following:
o a confirmed or suspected person infected with SARS-CoV-2
o a healthcare facility in China
Should you develop the signs and symptoms at home, do not go to school and inform/call the appropriate offices for specific concerns. Wear a mask and minimize contact with other persons at home. Please inform/call your family doctor about your condition before going to his/her clinic so that they can take precautions as well.
You can also refer to the following links for more information and updates:
Department of Health, https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov
World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
These bulletins are intended to provide general updates and relevant guidelines as events related to the COVID-19 outbreak evolve. Expect changes and adjustments in precaution guidelines as well as in preventing the spread of the infection as new information emerge daily. Also, given the volume of news reports and opinions being circulated in media and the internet, we enjoin everyone to refrain from sharing unverified information that can confuse or mislead others.
If you have comments or inquiries, you may send me an email at nmarquez@ateneo.edu or to Engr Josephy Almosera at jalmosera@ateneo.edu
Let us work together to build a safer and healthier community that we may serve the people for the greater glory of God.
