‘Yes to compassion, no to discrimination to PUIs’ – Gov Fernando
CITY OF MALOLOS – Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando appealed to the public to show compassion instead of discrimination to patients under investigation from COVID-19.
The governor came to know that people are looking at PUIs with fear and contempt and trash talking them, things that should not be done to people who did not even wish to have it and also share the same hope of protecting their lives.
“Mga kapwa ko Bulakenyo, ako po ay nakikiusap, maging mahinahon po tayo. Pwede naman po tayong mag-ingat ng may pagmamalasakit at paggalang sa ating kapwa,” Fernando said.
He clarified once again that PUIs are not yet confirmed COVID-19 positive cases but patients showing any of the symptoms related to the said disease like dry cough, fever, difficulty in breathing or diarrhea and with history of exposure or direct close contact with persons positive of COVID-19.
“Sa awa po ng Diyos, marami po sa ating mga PUI ang na clear na ng ating Provincial Health Office at kasalukuyang nasa mabuting kalagayan. Habang sila ay PUI, batid po natin kung anong takot at paghihirap ang kanilang pinagdaraanan. Huwag na po sana tayong makadagdag sa kanilang kabigatan,” Fernando pleaded.
Fernando, along with the chiefs of hospitals, reminded the public that the real enemy is the corona virus and not the PUIS nor the positive patients, not even each other.
Likewise, the Department of Health is asking the public not to discriminate because everyone can have COVID-19 and no one is exempted.
“Mapanganib ang diskriminasyon dulot ng sakit na ito. Maaari itong maging dahilan upang itago ng mga tao ang kanilang sakit o sintomas, hindi magpagamot, o hindi pag-iingat,” as per the DOH in their official facebook account.
The DOH also posted that while the country is doing its best to address the crisis, everyone is encouraged to show support and compassion to each other.
“Gawin natin ang sarili nating ambag para masugpo ang pagkalat ng virus. Malaki ang magagawa nito,” it said.
As of 4 pm yesterday, Bulacan PHO COVID-19 Surveillance reported 39 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths.