SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
February 10, 2020

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured the local chief executives that the Philippine government is on top of the threat of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD) in an event held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“We are prepared to handle this public health emergency in case the worst scenario happens,” President Duterte said.

The Chief Executive also lauded the Department of Health (DOH), headed by Secretary Francisco Duque III, for its prompt and efficient response at the onset of the global health emergency.

As of this date, the President reported that the Philippines remains to have three (3) confirmed cases of nCoV that resulted in one (1) death and placing about 250 patients under investigation.

Likewise, he urged the local government officials to take urgent steps in preventing the spread of the disease in their localities and to tend to the immediate care of those who have been infected.

“I urge all of you to be more proactive in the management of cases, contract tracing, efficient prevention and control, and information dissemination of the coronavirus. Make sure that you will follow the protocol set out by the [DOH], and that our people have access to equipment and services that will be of help in fighting the spread of this virus,” the President said.

Apart from the 2019-nCoV ARD, the event also briefed local government officials on the ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) that has affected the production of the country’s hog industry as well as the implementation of Executive Order (E.O) No. 70 on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

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