Finally, a travel ban
The DOH has just confirmed the second case of nCoV ARD in the country. The patient died --the first outside mainland China-- at the San Lazaro Hospital. He was a 44-year-old Chinese man who was also the companion of the woman diagnosed as the first recorded case of the nCoV in the country. There are still persons being monitored if they would manifest the virus. Because of this, President Duterte has finally temporarily banned all persons coming from China, Macau, and Hong Kong from entering the country, a move many countries have already long done so. Airlines have already suspended flights in and out of China.
At first, Duterte only banned those coming from Hubei Province and adjacent areas, but not from the mainland. This is why visitors from the mainland either from planes or cruise ships were still allowed to visit the country. But the virus has a two-week incubation period, so those temperature scanners are of no use in determining those whose incubation period has commenced. It only detects fever. Who can tell if some visitors will already manifest the virus at the end of their incubation period while in the country?
Senator Lacson asked why the country could not do the same as other countries, some even closed their borders with China to prevent the entry of the virus. The so-called "serious political and diplomatic repercussions" made by no less than then country's top health official if a ban on the entry of those from the mainland is imposed seems more important than the health and safety of the people. This administration walks on eggshells when it comes to China.
In China, the death toll from the coronavirus has reached 300 with more than 14,000 already infected. Those are alarming numbers. For sure the World Health Organization is now closely monitoring the situation to issue the appropriate course of action. What everyone can do without is misinformation and discrimination against the Chinese. Only trust official statements, granting officials are also telling the truth.
As we wait for the results of those still under observation, the best way to protect oneself from infection is to stay clean. Masks are good but remember they are disposable and cannot be used for long periods as they also get soaked from saliva. Hand washing may be the best one can do especially if spending most of the time outdoors. Hand sanitizers are also good. The idea is to prevent the virus from gaining a foothold on your skin, especially your hands. We touch our face so many times in one day so the chances of the virus entering the mucosa of the mouth, nose, and eyes become greater.
We hope those under observation turn out negative. We still have to ascertain the health of all those allowed to enter the country before the belated ban on travelers from China. They really shouldn't have been allowed to disembark anymore with many countries already imposing travel bans. It is not discriminatory. It is precautionary.
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