At 6:30AM today (Monday), the Quezon City government received information from the Department of Health (DOH) that first case of COVID-19 acute respiratory disease in the city has been confirmed.

The patient under investigation (PUI), a 57-year-old male from District 1, is now being isolated in a hospital. Based on information, the PUI had visitors from China, United States, and Davao since December.

I instructed the QC Health Department (QCHD) to do immediate contact tracing and containment measures.

The QCHD is also tasked to interview household members about the extent of activities of the patient. They will also be instructed to self-quarantine, which is equivalent to “house arrest” as they need to stay home for 14 days.

While on home quarantine, they will be monitored twice a day for any sign of respiratory illness, including fever, cough, colds, among others.

In the meantime, the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) will conduct refresher course for Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTS) in District 1 on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and how they can aid in monitoring cases. The QCDRRMO will also distribute PPEs to barangay first responders.

The public is also advised to avoid crowded places, and observe proper sanitation and coughing hygiene.

We also call on local residents to get information from the city’s official Facebook page (fb.com/qcgov) and Twitter account @QCGov. Anything else is unofficial.

President Rodrigo Duterte has called for a meeting with Metro Manila mayors at 4PM in Malacanang. The MMDA, for its part, has summoned disaster and health officials for a meeting at 2PM. The QC Task Force on COVID-19 will then meet after these meetings and will issue a statement after all information has been consolidated.