Amid COVID-19 threat, keep hands off face says health official

Amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019, health authorities have continuously reminded the public to refrain from touching their faces to prevent its further spread.

"Pwedeng ito ay makapag-- maging kasangkapan ng pagkalat ng mikrobyo, eh, hindi po tama ito," Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

According to Cedric Castillo's Tuesday report on 24 Oras, a 2015 study of 26 medical students from the University of New South Wales revealed that subjects touched their faces for an average of 23 times in an hour.

The students touched their mouths, noses, and eyes for 44% of the number.

"Nagbaon ako ng panyo bago ako umalis para aking matakpan ang bibig ang ilong," Duque said.

Aside from the virus, individuals may obtain numerous bacterias from objects they interact with daily.

"Tanungin niyo muna ang sarili ninyo bago pindutin ang mga keyboards ng mga laptop atsaka ng inyong mga ipad, iphones, no? Nag-ugas na ba ko ng kamay ko ng 20 seconds?" Duque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the proclamation declaring a public health emergency after confirmed cases rose to 24 on Monday. 

On Tuesday, the health department announced that there are 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News