Health Advisory on the 2019-nCoV

27 January 2020

Dear Xavier School Nuvali Parents,

As we prepare to resume classes tomorrow after the Taal Volvano eruption, we are faced with growing concerns about the spread of the 2019-nCoV virus.  I would like to share with you below the Health Advisory that we released in the San Juan campus last night. Please read it carefully.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reiterated that there is no confirmed case in the country, and suspension of classes is not necessary. The DOH has also advised all to check their website and various social media platforms regularly to get accurate information. (https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/1/27/Manila-City-Wuhan-China-novel-coronavirus.html)

Let me add a strong encouragement to all of you to examine your own travel histories in the last fourteen days, and if you have traveled to China or to any country with a confirmed case of the virus, please observe self-quarantine for two weeks from the date of your return to the Philippines. We are counting on your sense of civic responsibility to do this.

I would also like to announce that to help improve the air quality in school, air purifiers will be installed in all classrooms within the week. This is an added precaution to address the presence of particulates from ash fall, and the effects of the common cold.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

(SGD)

Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, SJ

Xavier School San Juan HEALTH ADVISORY: CORONAVIRUS (26 January 2020)

In December 2019, an outbreak of a 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province China. Since then, China has reported 2000 cases with 56 deaths and there are multiple cases reported worldwide (South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, France, Australia). At present, there are still NO confirmed 2019-nCoV cases in the Philippines.

What is a Novel Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses that can cause illnesses like the common cold to more severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus means that this is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

How does a person get 2019-nCoV infection?

The virus spreads from person to person. Since this is a new virus, the exact method is unclear but it probably occurs by DROPLET infection like influenza. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or inhaled into the lungs.

What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV infection?

Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

What is the treatment for 2019-nCoV infection?

There are no specific treatments for coronavirus infections and most people will recover on their own. Supportive care in the form of rest and increased intake of fluids is advised. As of this time, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. Patients who think they have been exposed to 2019-nCoV need to see their physician immediately for further evaluation.

How do we prevent 2019-nCoV infection?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent this infection. The best way is to prevent exposure to the virus. The following general measures are recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

1.     Wash hands frequently with soap and water. It is advisable to use warm water and soap and to rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol and hand sanitizers.

2.     Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Use a tissue if available then put it into the trash bin.

3.     Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

4.     Avoid exposure to patients who are sick.

5.     Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Faculty and Staff who are sick must stay home and return to work only when they have fully recovered.

In addition to maintaining proper hygiene, please be reminded to have adequate rest.  Balanced nutrition is essential for a healthy immune system to protect us against any viral infections.

For any concerns, please talk to any of the physicians or nurses in the Xavier School Infirmary. Let us work together to keep the community healthy!   

(sgd.)

ANN MARIE TAN-TING, M.D., FAAP FPPS MHSA

Medical Coordinator

Xavier School Heath Services

(sgd.)

Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, SJ, PhD

School President

REFERENCES:

https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00426.asp

https://www.cnet.com/news/coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-56-cases-approach-2000-everything-we-know/

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/1/24/DOH-no-confirmed-Wuhan-coronavirus-case-PH.html

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html