Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #7
13 February 2020
To The University Community
From Norman Dennis E. Marquez, MD
University Physician
Subject Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #7
Situation summary:
- From DOH, a total of 408 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) recorded; 3 are confirmed (+) for SARS-CoV-2; 208 tested (-); 197 pending results (as of 12nn, 12 February 2020)
- Epidemiological research relating to transmission dynamics, severity, susceptibility and control measures are prioritized to help China as well as scale-up global response
- No new country reported cases since Feb 6, after Belgium, confirmed its first case
o China, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, UK, Russia, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Sweden, UAE
Interim guidance for persons* who may have SARS-CoV-2 infection to prevent spread in homes and residential areas (based on recommendations by the CDC). These apply until new studies/data suggest otherwise.
*People with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection (including persons under investigation) who do not need to be hospitalized
*People with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were hospitalized and determined to be medically stable to go home
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Avoid public areas
- Do not use public transportation
- Separate yourself from other people in your home
- Stay in a specific room away from others
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Inform your doctor that you may have COVID-19 so that they can prepare the people in the clinic on how to prevent exposure before your arrival
- Wear a facemask
- When around people, especially in sharing a ride and in enclosed rooms
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Use tissue paper to cover mouth and nose and dispose of the paper in a lined trash bin only for infectious waste
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 sec and dry them completely
- Clean your hands
- Use soap and water for 20 sec
- Hand sanitizers with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol when water not immediately available
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Wash them thoroughly after use
- Monitor your symptoms
- Report to your doctor when symptoms worsen
- Discontinuing home isolation
- When the risk of secondary transmission to others is low
General preventive measures:
- Proper hygiene practices and effective hand-washing techniques
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing then properly dispose of used tissue paper as infectious waste
- Keep a distance of at least 1 meter (around 3 feet) from a person suspected of having SARS-CoV-2 infection or flu-like signs and symptoms
- Avoid touching eyes after coughing/sneezing
- Do not spit just anywhere
- Proper handling and disposal of wastes; used masks should be considered as infectious waste and should be disposed of properly
- Avoid unnecessary assembly or mass gathering, especially in closed venues
- Gargle with warm saline solution 2-3x a day when having cough and sore throat
- Hydrate regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Process raw food properly/hygienically and cook food well
Members of the community or visitors to the Ateneo campuses are highly encouraged to inform/call the Office of Health Services/Infirmaries in their respected units (for students and visitors) or OHRMOD (for faculty, professionals, administrators, staff) if you manifest the following:
- fever WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- fever, cough/cold, difficulty breathing WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- severe acute respiratory infection requiring hospitalization WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- fever or signs and symptoms of respiratory infection within 14 days of close contact with any of the following:
o a confirmed or suspected person infected with SARS-CoV-2
o a healthcare facility in China
Should you develop the signs and symptoms at home, do not go to school and inform the appropriate offices for specific concerns. Wear a mask and minimize contact with other persons at home. Please inform/call your family doctor about your condition before going to his/her clinic so that they can take precautions as well.
You can also refer to the following links for more information and updates:
Department of Health, https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov
World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
These bulletins are intended to provide general updates and relevant guidelines as events related to the COVID-19 outbreak evolve. Expect changes and adjustments in precaution guidelines as well as in preventing the spread of the infection as new information emerge daily. Also, given the volume of news reports and opinions being circulated in media and the internet, we enjoin everyone to refrain from sharing unverified information that can confuse or mislead others.
If you have any concerns or inquiries, you may send an email to Dr. Norman Dennis Marquez (nmarquez@ateneo.edu) or to Engr. Josephy Almosera (jalmosera@ateneo.edu).
Let us work together to build a safer and healthier community that we may serve the people for the greater glory of God.
