Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. sent a letter to Cebu Pacific airlines requesting for a temporary stoppage of flights to and from countries with confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov).
Defensor addressed the letter to Ms. Leah Vallido, Operations Manager sang Cebu Pacific Air in Iloilo International Airport, after Department of Health (DOH) had confirmed that there is already one patient positive with 2019-nCov.
“May we respectfully request for your voluntary cessation of international flights to and from countries positive for Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) immediately,” Defensor said.
DOH secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed in a press conference Thursday that the a 38-year-old female Chinese from Wuhan, China is positive with 2019-nCov. She traveled to Hongkong on January 20, went to Cebu on January 21, flew to Dumaguete the next day, and went to Manila on January 25.
She was then admitted to San Lazaro Hospital in Manila for experiencing mild cough. Her swab samples were taken and sent to Victoria Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia for testing.
The results arrived Thursday which is positive for novel Coronavirus, the first case in the country.
“I assure the public that the DOH is on top of this evolving situation,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said. “I urge the public to stay calm and remain vigilant at all times. Let us continue to practice good personal hygiene and adopt healthy lifestyles.”
As of January 30, there are still 23 admitted persons under investigation.
