Face masks were immediately sold out after the Department of Health confirmed the first case 2019 novel coronavirus or n-CoV in the Philippines.
People reported face masks in leading pharmacies ran out of stock. Even those in Lazada, a famous online shop in the country, were almost sold out.
In an earlier report, face masks stocks in Iloilo City are running as residents prepare for the spread of the novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV.
The Department of Health confirmed on Thursday the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus in the Philippines, who is a Chinese woman from Wuhan, China.
Health Secretary Duque said that the 38-year-old Chinese woman under investigation tested positive for the nCoV.
Face masks sold out hours after PH confirms first case of 2019 n-CoV
“DOH is confirming that a 38-year-old female patient under investigation or PUI is positive for the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV after her lab results arrive today from the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference laboratory in Melbourne, Australia,” Duque said during the live press briefing of DOH.
“The DOH, however, continues to guarantee the public that all necessary precautionary measures are being taken to halt the spread of the virus,” he added.
Duque said the confirmed case arrived from Wuhan, China, via Hongkong last January 21, 2020. The patient was admitted to one of the government hospitals on January 25 after experiencing a mild cough.
The patient is currently asymptomatic, which means she has no fever or other signs and symptoms of illness, he added.
The Health Secretary assured the public the DOH is on top of the “evolving situation.” He said they were able to detect the disease because of their strong surveillance system and close coordination with the World Health Organization.