Laboratory tests confirmed that five patients under investigation (PUIs) in hospitals in Muntinlupa City are free from the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the city health officer.
Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dr. Teresa Tuliao said that the PUIs have been discharged following the results of the laboratory tests.
“We now have zero cases of PUIs in Muntinlupa City after laboratory samples of all admitted PUIs yielded negative results for COVID-19,” she said.
“The local government of Muntinlupa is strongly coordinating with the Department of Health [DOH] and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine regarding this health event.”
Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi recently ordered the establishment of Muntinlupa 2019-nCoV Task Force via Executive Order 2 Series of 2020, as a proactive measure against the spread of the viral respiratory ailment in the city.
It spearheads the implementation of DOH protocols and guidelines, and extends full cooperation with the DOH and other national government agencies.
The local chief executive gave assurance to his constituents that they are acting on the prevention, containment and control of COVID-19 in Muntinlupa.
He also urged the public to practice proper hygiene, observe proper cough etiquette, and live healthy lifestyles to strengthen their body resistance against infections.
Early this month, the local government unit (LGU) called for an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to talk about the latest updates on the contagious pneumonia to barangay emergency response units, barangay officials and health workers, mall owners, hoteliers, and other commercial establishment owners.
The Muntinlupa City Health Office (MCHO) noted that medical facilities in the city are equipped to respond to emergency situations involving patients with respiratory infections.
To deal with infected patients, local hospitals and medical hubs were suggested to observe high standard of infection prevention and control.
Ospital ng Muntinlupa, for instance, has set up priority lanes for patients experiencing flu-like symptoms, as well as critical equipment.
MCHO gave away 2,000 bottles of alcohol to local residents and boosted its information drive in combatting the spread of COVID-19 through the LGU’s Public Information Office.
The city government inspects emerging Chinese restaurants and coordinates with Chinese establishments as a precautionary measure.
City residents are encouraged to immediately visit local health centers or Ospital ng Muntinlupa if they experience symptoms of the virus.