By Bohol Island News Staff | 11:11PM January 30,2020
Some Boholanos expressed their dismay over the Philippine government’s refusal to ban travels to and from mainland China as the Philippines confirmed its first case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday said the 38-year-old woman who came from Wuhan, China arrived in the Philippines via Hong Kong to Cebu last January 21.
She sought consultation and was then admitted on January 25 after experiencing a mild cough.
But Dr. Jaime Bernadas, the regional head of the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas, said the patient did not seek medical help while in Cebu or Dumaguete.
According to Duque, she is currently asymptomatic, which means she had no fever and no other symptoms suggesting the illness.
Duque urged the public to remain calm and vigilant.
Netizens were worried that the virus will spread quickly. Others slammed the slow decision to ban Chinese tourists to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Mga pinalangga namo nga mga lideres sa Bohol (nga wa tingale magpangga nato); naa nay Corona virus sa Manila. Unsa may gihuwat ninyo? #protectbohol,” Melkiore Daniel Dalunyor posted on Facebook.
Joy Bonita Sevilla said the government should ban Chinese tourists temporarily.
“Why spend for their quarantine????..og gi Ban pa na dayon..less expense of the government and we feel more safer..do you think og kita pa gadala og virus dli ta ipang deport.Im For total banning of ALL CHINESE tourist..Unsa man pod masapi nato sa turismo ana na ipang quarantine man diay..we are not even equipped with good facilities..Uban na country wala na man gani pasulod na, naa pay mga kapasidad..ag pilipinas pa kaha.Nahutdan na man gani og mask ang cebu and Bohol….pag sure mo oi……with regards to the health of every filipino no Ifs and buts na..Remember, temporary lng ni…if okay na..then balik sila.Why take the risk when it comes to the health and lives of everyone. #protectthePhilippines #protectBohol”
“Let’s Cross That Bridge When We Get There NALANG Ba Ta Ani, Provincial Government of Bohol?!😷,” Clement Lofranco Ingking said.
“Stupid government officials!!! It’s not about being fair or discrimination! Banning is to protect our OWN PEOPLE! This is the JOB of our f*cking government! LISTEN to your people! Before everything gets worst! The F!,”Emmanuel Pilayre said.
People across the world have been diagnosed with the virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
New cases of infection with a novel strain of coronavirus, which emerged at a seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, are being reported daily around the world.
In China, at least 170 people have died and more than 7,711 cases recorded across the country.
Outside of mainland China, Thailand has the highest number of cases of infection with 14 cases recorded.
