UE student tests negative for nCoV infection

A Grade 12 student at the University of the East (UE) Manila who was investigated for a possible 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection tested negative for the virus, the university administration announced Sunday.

In a statement, UE President Ester Garcia said the student had consulted with the school clinic after developing a cough following a trip to Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year. 

The student was immediately taken to the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital (UERMMH) for observation and care while samples were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for confirmation.

“This weekend, the student’s nCoV test result finally became available: NEGATIVE,” Garcia emphasized.

“The student instead appears to have had an upper respiratory tract infection and allergic rhinitis, which are fairly common and manageable conditions. As of this writing, the student is awaiting discharge from UERMMH.”

Garcia said the student’s classmates were immediately informed about the possible 2019-nCoV contamination in their classroom, which prompted the general cleaning and disinfection of the entire campus.

Classes for the UE Manila Basic Education Department were also suspended last Friday as a precautionary measure.

Garcia said UERMMH physicians had advised them that affected classes may resume on Monday, February 10, while the student may return to class within the week.

The number of persons under investigation for possible 2019-nCoV infection in the Philippines climbed to 284, the Department of Health said Sunday afternoon. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News