Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #15
4 March 2020
To The University Community
From Norman Dennis E. Marquez, MD
University Physician
Subject Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #15
Situation summary:
- From DOH, a total of 639 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) recorded; 3 are confirmed (+) for SARS-CoV-2; 578 tested (-); 12 pending results (as of 12nn, 3 March 2020)
- Following the 9th Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) meeting, Filipinos heading to South Korea, except to North Gyeongsang Province including Daegu City and Cheongdo County, will be allowed to travel provided that they sign a declaration signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved; Sec. Duque clarified that “their government has implemented stringent infection control measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. South Korea has also reported a low case fatality rate of only 0.5% and the successful containment of local transmission to only certain areas”
- The IATF approved the plans to repatriate 148 Overseas Filipinos (OF) from Macau
- The European Centers for Disease Control (ECDC) released an estimation of the resources needed to manage COVID-19 in the region
- The UK published a document of their current understanding of the COVID-19 outbreak and how their government plans to respond to the crisis in phases
- There are now 72 total number of countries with reported COVID-19 incidence
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, Luxembourg, Armenia, Czechia, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal, Ukraine
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
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 emerges 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 any 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.
