Etulle, Marissa B.

Reponte, Mariden B.

NEWS ARTICLE

First Case of COVID-19 in Cebu

Photo owned
by: Superbalita Cebu (live news)

On March 6, 2020, a 65-year old Filipino male is admitted at the Chong Hua Hospital in
Mandaue City due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The patient has no known
recent travel history from any of the coronavirus-stricken places. Before he got infected
with the COVID-19, he has travelled some places of Mindanao and Manila.

Director Jaime Bernadas of Department of Health (DOH) said the patient was already
asymptomatic and about to be discharged. He told to the reporters in a press briefing
that the bad news is we have already a positive case admitted in one of our hospitals.
But, the good news is the patient is already recovering and is about to discharged. He
added that hopefully the patient can share his experience with us.

The test for the disease of the patient was done on March 11, 2020 and the result that
validates infection to coronavirus disease was released on March 18, 2020.

DOH Director Bernadas encouraged the public to practice social distancing and
hygienic measures after confirming the first case of COVID-19 in Cebu. He said, “The
situation is still the same. You have to follow the same protocol-the same social
distance, the same isolation if you have problems, the same containment measures.”