Amid rumors circulating online, Mayor Toby Tiangco has assured residents that Navotas remains free from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Tiangco clarified that the city has 13 Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) as of March 11, and all are under self-quarantine and regularly checked by personnel of the City Health Office as well as the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT).
“As of now, Navotas has 13 PUMs but remains COVID-free. PUMS are those who had travel history to a place with confirmed COVID-19 cases or had history of exposure to COVID-19. They don’t exhibit signs and symptoms of the disease and are placed under self-quarantine,” he explained.
Persons Under Investigation (PUI), on the other hand, have the same description as PUMs, except they show signs and symptoms of COVID-19. They are admitted to a hospital to undergo further tests.
The mayor said the Navotas Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 has been proactively tracing residents who might be affected by the disease.
He reminded Navoteños they may also call 8281-1111 for reports or questions regarding COVID19.
Tiangco also appealed to the public to practice social distancing as prescribed by the Department of Health.
Social distancing aims to limit instances for people to be in close contact with each other. This includes not shaking hands, hugging or going to places or events that draw large crowds.
“President Duterte suspended classes until March 14 as a preventive measure to keep students safe from COVID19. By cancelling classes and letting them stay home, we limit their interaction with others and reduce the risk of them contracting or spreading the disease,” he said.
The mayor urged Navoteños to wash hands regularly for 20 seconds, follow proper cough etiquette, keep distance from sick people, and avoid crowded places.
“We can help prevent the spread of COVID19. Follow the advice of our health officials and practice social distancing,” he said.