TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN— The Department of Health (DOH) said one person is under investigation due to possible novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection in Cagayan Valley.

Dr. Rio Lat Magpantay, DOH Region 2 director, identified the patient as a 29-year-old domestic helper in Hong Kong who arrived in the Philippines last January 24.

“She is currently admitted and is showing signs of improvement upon having been isolated and provided round-the-clock care by our trained medical personnel at Cagayan Valley Medical Center,” said Magpantay.

An employee of CVMC who had a history of travel to Macau was also placed in isolation, but she was released shortly after her condition improved.

In Nueva Vizcaya, a mother and her child were also admitted to the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center because of possible symptoms of 2019-nCoV, particularly fever.

It was learned that the patients went on a vacation in Hong Kong. However, the hospital administration later released an official statement confirming that the child was treated for pneumonia.

Magpantay reiterated that Cagayan Valley remains free from 2019-nCoV, but he urged the public to continue with preventive measures such as proper handwashing and coughing etiquette.

He also guaranteed the readiness and adequacy of hospital facilities in catering to the needs of possible 2019-nCoV patients.

A team of health workers will also be assigned to help in monitoring passengers in the 2 domestic airports of the Region.

The Cagayan Economic Zone authority had also taken steps to combat the possible spread of 2019-nCoV.

On Friday, CEZA administrator Raul Lambino ordered the suspension of all chartered flights from Macau and other parts of China to Lal-lo, Cagayan where the Cagayan North International Airport is located.