The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, Nov. 29, reassured Filipinos that there is "nothing to worry about" the heightened respiratory illnesses in northern China.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, DOH said "the surge is linked to eased COVID-19 restrictions and the onset of the cold season as stated by China's National Health Commission."
"The DOH reiterates that there is no need for alarm; the government prioritizes the safety of the Filipino people," it said.
The health department debunked news reports on pneumonia clusters, saying that "there is no evidence of novel pathogens or atypical clinical presentations."
The DOH, however, encourages those with comorbidities and autoimmune diseases to practice voluntary use of face mask.
The health department then assures that it actively monitors China's situation and that it collaborates with international health authorities.
"We will remain vigilant and provide necessary updates for the public's information," it said.
The DOH furthered that the public should rely only on official announcements and refrain from sharing false information.
DOH Secretary Teddy 'Ted' Herbosa first said that the public should not be alarmed by the reported surge in respiratory illnesses in China.
In an interview during DZRH Damdaming Bayan on Monday, Nov. 27, Herbosa said the respiratory illness is not a new virus and that the surge is connected to the winter season in the aformentioned country.
In an article published last Non. 24, international media Reuters cited World Health Organization's report that "Chinese health authorities have not detected any unusual or novel pathogens" amid the respiratory outbreak.
