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Can coronavirus spread through groceries?

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Davinci Maru, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/04/03/20200315-covid-grocery-fsj-8204.jpg"/><figcaption>People buy supplies from the grocery on on the first day of the government-imposed community quarantine in Metro Manila, March 15, 2020. <em>Fernando G. Sepe Jr. ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA - The novel coronavirus has so far infected 3,018 people in the Philippines.</p><p>It is a relatively small figure compared to other countries, but the health department has warned a rapid rise in cases after the Philippine government increased its testing capacity.</p><p>To help the public respond to the pandemic, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire answers some questions on the highly-contagious disease.</p><div><strong>Can you catch the coronavirus twice?</strong></div><p>The health official said they do not have scientific evidence yet about possible reinfection of the disease, but reports in Japan said a recovered coronavirus patient tested positive again for COVID-19.</p><div><strong>Can virgin coconut oil be used as treatment for coronavirus infection?</strong></div><p>The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is conducting tests on virgin coconut oil as potential treatment of the novel coronavirus, Vergerie said.</p><div><strong>How can seniors strengthen their immune system?</strong></div><p>The World Health Organization said the elderly and those suffering from underlying conditions appeared to develop serious illness of COVID-19 more often than others.</p><p>Vergerie said older people could boost their immune system by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. They must have a regular physical activity and take supplements such as vitamin C and zinc.</p><div><strong>Does Philippines have enough ventilators to cope with the coronavirus pandemic?</strong></div><p>&quot;Right now, it&#x27;s still enough. It&#x27;s sufficient,&quot; the health official told radio DZMM.</p><p>Ventilators are mechanical breathing devices used for patients with severe cases of the novel coronavirus.</p><div><strong>How does the Department of Health (DOH) determine if a patient has recovered from the virus?</strong></div><p>As of Friday, some 52 out of 3,018 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the Philippines.</p><p>At the onset of the crisis, a patient must have 2 negative test results before health experts can say he or she has been cleared of the strain, Vergerie said.</p><p>The health ministry, however, changed its protocols. As long as the patient is not showing any symptoms, he or she can be given a clean bill of health.</p><p>However, the recovered patient will still have to undergo an additional 14-day quarantine as a precautionary measure, Vergerie added.</p><div><strong>Should healthy people use a mask when going out?</strong></div><p>Due to reports of sustained community transmission of COVID-19, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask in public, she said.</p><div><strong>What is the treatment for the coronavirus disease?</strong></div><p>The health department has issued a guideline on the use of off-label drugs such as chloroquine in treating COVID-19 patients.</p><p>Vergerie reiterated these drugs are used with the guidance of medical professionals.</p><p>The Philippines is also joining the World Health Organization’s multi-country clinical trials in search for an effective COVID-19 treatment.</p><p>Among the drugs that will be included in the trial are (1) remdesivir, (2) lopinavir and ritonavir combined, (3) two drugs plus interferon beta, and (4) chloroquine.</p><div><strong>Can coronavirus be spread through talking?</strong></div><p>An infected patient may also spread the novel coronavirus through talking, Vergerie said.</p><p>She reminded the public to observe physical distancing or keeping meters away from other people.</p><div><strong>Can coronavirus be transmitted through grocery items?</strong></div><p>Grocery shopping was the last thing that some COVID-19 patients did before they were confirmed to have contracted the disease, Vergerie said.</p><p>Since infected droplets may persist on surfaces, transmission via grocery items may be possible, she said.</p><p>She urged the public to wash their hands after unpacking groceries.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i7xMpTTg_LA?enablejsapi=1"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>To help the public respond to the pandemic, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire answers some questions on the highly-contagious disease.<br /> </p>

To help the public respond to the pandemic, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire answers some questions on the highly-contagious disease.

Can coronavirus spread through groceries?

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Can coronavirus spread through groceries?

Davinci Maru,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 04, 2020 03:40 AM PHT

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Updated April 04, 2020 06:43 AM PHT

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DOH

Department of Health

Maria Rosario Vergeire

health

virus

coronavirus

2019 Novel Coronavirus

2019-nCoV

2019 Novel Coronavirus acute respiratory disease

2019-nCoV ARD

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