DOH confirmed Philippines now has 2 confirmed nCov cases

Manila Philippines - Department of Health (DOH) recorded its 2nd case of nCov in the PH - reports on Sunday. Involving a man from Wuhan China identified as companion of the country's first confirmed case - a 38 yrs old (female).

A 44 year old chinese national also tested positive of the virus that originated in the province of Wuhan, China, died in the PH on Saturday. Health Secretary Francisco Duque told media.

Duque said the two were admitted for isolation and supportive treatment at a government hospital in Manila.

After being admitted for pneumonia last Jan. 25, the man experienced fever, cough and sore throat, Duque said.

"Over the course of the patient’s admission, he developed severe pneumonia. In his last few days, the patient was stable and showed signs of improvement. However, the condition of the patient deteriorated within the last 24 hours, resulting in his demise," he added.

Abeyasinghe said, "we need to take into mind, this is not a locally acquired case."

"This patient came from the epicenter of this outbreak, Wuhan, China, where there have been very large number of deaths," he added. As of Sunday, China said the death toll from the new respiratory contagion has swelled to 304 amid the infection of several thousand others.

Authorities are in touch with the Chinese embassy for the cremation of the patient's remains, Duque said.

"All I ask from the public is heed advisories from officials...refrain from sharing unverified and unvalidated information," he said.

As of Saturday, 30 other individuals considered as patients under investigation tested negative for the 2019-nCoV, while authorities are awaiting the results of samples from 4 others, according to Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo.

Of this figure, 10 patients have been discharged, he added.

The Philippines on Sunday temporarily prohibited the entry of all foreigners from China, while Filipino citizens and holders of permanent resident visa issued by the government coming from China will undergo a 14-day quarantine upon their arrival in the country.