Two faculty members of the University of the Philippines (UP) are under investigation for possible exposure to the novel coronavirus.
In a statement on Wednesday, the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) confirmed that two faculty members have been tested last March 10 for possible coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after attending an academic conference in Japan.
They were first screened at the UP Diliman Health Service (UPHS), where they were declared persons under investigation (PUIs) after showing fever and respiratory symptoms.
UPHS Director Jesusa Catabui assured the community that protocols were followed in isolating the patients and disinfecting the premises and the ambulance used to carry them to a referral hospital.
The UP System, composed of all UP campuses nationwide, have been following a general protocol since early February.
UP administrators said all constituents who “have come into close contact with a confirmed case, or have been exposed to potential infection during travels, to seek consultation with the University Health Service on campus, or at the nearest health facility, and undergo a health assessment before resuming their daily routine.”
Under the same protocol, the UPHS and the Quezon City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit have coordinated the monitoring of the persons with whom the PUIs had been in close contact.
Contact tracing resulted in a list of persons for monitoring, meaning they did not manifest any symptoms of the disease. The PUMs are currently under home quarantine.
The UPD also assured that all buildings that have been visited by the PUIs are already being disinfected. (Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz)
