UST denies nCoV patient was admitted in medical facility

The University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH) on Tuesday debunked claims that a patient who has contracted the 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019 nCoV was admitted in the facility.

According to a statement from the USTH Office of the Medical Director posted by the Varsitarian, UST's official student publication, "there is no truth to the circulating news in social media and text messages of a novel coronavirus patient in USTH."

The USTH director assured that an established protocol is in place for handling patients suspected with 2019-nCoV.

The public was also advised to believe only advisories released by government authorities and the Department of Health regarding the status of the virus in the country.

"Get the accurate information and take care of your health," said.

"Stop spreading fake news. Be responsible. Be vigilant," USTH added.

The Department of Health earlier said the number of persons under investigation in the country for possible infection of the 2019-nCoV climbed to 24. 

DOH Undersecretary Eric Domingo said most of the patients under investigation were Chinese nationals. No Filipinos were involved.

The 2019 nCoV was first detected in Wuhan, China last December.

According to the World Health Organization, the new strain of coronavirus already reached Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, US, Canada, and France.

The Chinese government earlier said the death toll due to the virus has already reached 106. — BAP, GMA News