A handout photo from the DOH showing the places in the country where suspected coronavirus infections are under inspection.
MANILA – 11 individuals, suspected to be infected with the lethal coronavirus that has infected thousands in China, are now under quarantine, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque said that they are still waiting for the laboratory results of the 11 people who are currently under investigation. All of them came from the Chinese central city of Wuhan, the origin of the new deadly coronavirus.
Meanwhile, four others, including a 5-year-old boy in Cebu City, tested negative for the pathogen.
All travelers who came from Wuhan are automatically probed upon arrival in the country if they have flu- and fever-like symptoms, had visited a market where the virus was first detected, and interacted with live animals and patients in China.
Samples of the quarantined individuals were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa .
The deadly coronavirus has infected over 2,700 people in China with 80 fatalities. Neighboring countries were also affected, including the United States.
Duque encouraged the public to wash their hands regularly, drink water, and use face masks. (RJ Espartinez)