Tracing of coronavirus patient’s contacts in Pangasinan completed

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The contact tracing on people who had close contact here with an Australian-based Filipina who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) were all traced by health authorities and none of them experienced flu-like symptoms.

In an interview Thursday, Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman said the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday advised them to wind up the contact tracing because there were no flu-like symptoms observed within the 14-day quarantine period.

She said even the Australian-based Filipina is now negative of the virus and have recovered.

“The family of the patient has coordinated with us and talked to the governor and informed us that she (patient) is now negative of the virus and already back to work,” she said.

De Guzman also reminded people using public transportation to take necessary precautions to avoid the virus.

“We advise everyone, especially those traveling to and from Metro Manila to take precautions because most of the patients recorded are from there,” she added.

She also urged the bus terminals in the province to disinfect their vehicles.

“It is still considered a confined area that needed disinfection and sanitization for the safety of the public,” she said.

De Guzman said the PHO has issued an advisory for all establishments to make thermal scanners and alcohol or sanitizers available as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Governor Amado Espino III said the provincial government plans to construct an isolation building within the 3,000-square-meter lot at the back of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City to address possible epidemic diseases in the future. (PNA)