Do not panic, know and follow steps how to protect yourself from the 2019 novel Coronavirus. This is the advise given by the Mati City Health Office to the public as Coronavirus scare hits the country.

CHO chief Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan said that as early as the second week of January they have already imposed a “heightened alert” to all health workers in the city down to the barangay level.

He said they have also informed all barangay health workers of the protocol issued by the Department of Health on what to do in the event there would be suspected infection in their respective barangays.

“The barangay health workers already know the protocol on how to deal with suspected Coronavirus infection. They will first identify possible cases, then they will look into the travel history of the suspected case. If they think that the case could be Coronavirus then they are told to inform us immediately so we could also inform RESU (Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit) and send an ambulance dedicated solely for the transport of suspected Coronavirus patients to Davao hospitals with isolation rooms,”Dr. Catbagan narrated.

The city health officer said that they have also dispatched surveillance teams to ensure that all barangay health workers adhere to the protocol and constantly monitor any developments.

Catbagan meanwhile advised the public that the most effective way in stopping the spread of Coronavirus and all other diseases would be to ensure that we maintain proper hygiene.

He said that proper and constant cleaning of hands is essential. He said there is no need to panic if we strictly maintain proper hygiene.

Catbagan assured the public that the Mati City Health Office, in support to the Provincial Government, is on top of the situation and that health measures are already in place to prevent the possible entry of Coronavirus in the city and the province.

Catbagan met with City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat Friday morning, January 31, to discuss the health protocol. Mayor Michelle assured Catbagan that the City Mayor’s Office is all out in its support to the implementation of the health protocol.

So far, only one case of the novel Coronavirus have been confirmed by the DOH in the country. The 38-year old woman from Wuhan, China arrived in Cebu City on January 21 and have travelled to Dumaguete before flying to Manila on January 25 where she is presently admitted. (CIO MATI)