Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando has appealed to the public to show compassion instead of discrimination against patients under investigation (PUIs) for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). The governor came to know that people are looking at PUIs with fear, contempt and harsh words — things that should not be done to people who did not even wish to be infected with Covid-19 and people who also share the same hope of protecting their lives. He said PUIs are not yet confirmed positive cases but merely patients who show any of the symptoms related to Covid-19 like dry cough, fever, difficulty in breathing or diarrhea. PUIs are also those with history of exposure or direct close contact with persons positive with the disease. Fernando, along with the chiefs of hospitals, reminded the public that the real enemy is the virus, not the PUIs or the Covid-positive patients, not even each other. The Department of Health, in its official Facebook account, said everyone is encouraged to show support and compassion toward each other. Meanwhile, Cibac party-list Representatives Deputy Speaker Bro. Eduardo Villanueva and Domingo Rivera condemned the reported stoning of the house of confirmed Covid-19-infected persons in Iloilo province, describing the incident as “barbaric”. As of 4 p.m. on Moday, Bulacan reported 39 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 12 deaths.
