CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — “Show compassion instead of discrimination to patients under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19.”
This was the appeal of Governor Daniel R. Fernando to the public after receiving reports that many people are looking at PUIs with fear and contempt, and trash-talking them.
“Mga kapwa ko Bulakenyo, ako po ay nakikiusap, maging mahinahon po tayo. Pwede naman po tayong mag-ingat nang may pagmamalasakit at paggalang sa ating kapwa,” Fernando said.
He clarified once again that PUIs are not yet confirmed COVID-19 positive cases but patients showing any of the symptoms related to the disease like dry cough, fever, difficulty in breathing or diarrhea, and with history of exposure or direct close contact with persons positive of COVID-19.
“Sa awa po ng Diyos, marami po sa ating mga PUI ang na clear na ng ating Provincial Health Office at kasalukuyang nasa mabuting kalagayan. Habang sila ay PUI, batid po natin kung anong takot at paghihirap ang kanilang pinagdaraanan. Huwag na po sana tayong makadagdag sa kanilang kabigatan,” Fernando pleaded.
Fernando, along with the chiefs of hospitals, reminded the public that the real enemy is the coronavirus and not the PUIS nor the positive patients, not even each other.
Likewise, the Department of Health is asking the public not to discriminate because everyone can have COVID-19 and no one is exempted.
“Mapanganib ang diskriminasyon dulot ng sakit na ito. Maaari itong maging dahilan upang itago ng mga tao ang kanilang sakit o sintomas, hindi magpagamot, o hindi pag-iingat,” said the DoH in their official Facebook account.
As of 4 pm on Monday, Bulacan PHO COVID-19 Surveillance reported 39 confirmed cases and 12 deaths. (Freddie C. Velez)