Recognizing the recent public health concern, the provincial government would like to emphasize that the PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL REMAINS FREE FROM THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS PER THE OFFICIAL DATA FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

The Provincial Government team who recently went to Guangzhou, China –  located 982.4 kilometers away from Wuhan (Hubei Province in China) — have willingly submitted themselves on a 14-day self-quarantine for monitoring in compliance to the protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH).

While we have constant coordination with the DOH, we are also in constant communication and are closely working with the authorities and other concerned agencies to ensure the implementation of proper measures in relation to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

This administration assures everyone that we take these matters very seriously. Our top priority is the health and welfare of the people of Davao Oriental. We remain free from the virus and we will do everything we can to make sure it stays that way.

For the public’s peace of mind, we call on everyone to refrain from spreading false news, especially on social media. We urge everyone to be responsible in using these social media platforms.

Moreover, we also urge everyone to remain calm and only listen to advisories from reliable and credible sources, particularly the DOH which is the only authorized agency to issue statements whether or not there are confirmed cases.

For now, we continue our efforts to prevent the spread of the nCoV. While the virus is transmitted through droplets and not via airborne, we encourage everyone to heighten their awareness on the precautionary measures against the virus as well as other public health threats through proper hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers, avoid close contact with sick people, and covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

With our unity and with the help of the Almighty, we will get through this together.

~ Provincial Government of Davao Oriental

Issued on February 7, 2020