MANILA — A member of the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City is waiting for test results on possible coronavirus infection, the campus' chancellor said Tuesday.

The patient had fever, was screened at the University Health Service, and later transferred to another hospital for testing, said UP-Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo.

"We assure you that in handling the PUI (patient under investigation), all protocols were strictly followed. The patient was completely isolated from the rest of the UHS patients, and that the holding area was immediately disinfected," he said in a Facebook post.

Nemenzo did not say whether the patient was a student, faculty member or UP employee.

The Philippines so far confirmed 24 cases of COVID-19, including incidents of localized transmission.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared Monday a state of public health emergency to curb the pathogen's spread. He also suspended classes in Metro Manila until March 14.

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UP PRECAUTIONS

As precaution against COVID-19, UP Diliman will implement the following measures, said Nemenzo.

• Indefinite travel ban

Official travel, whether local or international, will be prohibited indefinitely. Those who intend to go on personal travel are strongly urged to reconsider their plans; if they proceed, they should report their travel plans to their unit head.

All members of the community returning from travel overseas will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

• Event cancellation

All big events on campus will be called off, until further notice.

• Online classes

We are moving towards online platforms in place of conventional classroom delivery. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, in coordination with the Deans, will soon be communicating the instructions to all faculty and students.

Nemenzo also urged the UP-Diliman community to practice social distancing, proper hygiene and behavioral etiquette.

Those with would like to share information or ask questions should reach out to the campus' virus task force at uhs.updiliman@up.edu.ph with “COVID-19” as subject, mobile 0947-427-9281 or telephone number 8981-8500 local 2709, he said.

"These are not normal times. But I believe in our community’s resilience and ability to live through this crisis with compassion and solidarity," said the chancellor.

"Time and again, we have seen that the most effective response to public health emergencies is our ability as a community to look out for each other," he added.