Several Metro Manila schools suspend classes amid coronavirus scare

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 27) — Several private schools located in Manila City and Quezon City have suspended classes on Monday as the novel coronavirus that originated from Wuhan, China continues to spread worldwide.

Chinese schools including Hope Christian High School, St. Stephen's High School, and Uno High School in Manila City have suspended classes indefinitely, saying they are gathering more information on travel details of their students and staff during the Chinese New Year break.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said to date, there is no confirmed case of the novel coronavirus or 2019-nCov in the country. The suspension of classes is not in line with current DOH guidelines, he added.

"Definitely no need as of now," he said on Monday.

The following schools suspended classes and work for Monday, January 27:

-Chiang Kai Shek (Algue and Narra campuses)

-Philippine Cultural College

-Tiong Se Academy

-Saint Jude Catholic School (until Tuesday)

-Lorenzo Ruiz Academy

-Philippine Academy of Sakya

-Pace Academy

At least 11 individuals are placed under investigation for suspected infection of the respiratory illness. Duque said the cases under investigation have been recorded in different hospitals around the country, but there are two suspected cases in Metro Manila, particularly in Muntinlupa City and Pasay City.

Related: 11 under probe for suspected coronavirus in PH – DOH

Manila City's health officials denied reports a Chinese national infected with the new coronavirus was brought to the Metropolitan Hospital in Binondo.

Manila City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Pangan confirmed a 27-year old male, who was working at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), was hospitalized on January 25 due to fever and cough, but denied it is linked to the new coronavirus strain.

"Manila Health Department Surveillance Team, in coordination with DOH surveillance, and as per investigation, patient has fever and cough but negative on history of travel to Wuhan, China, and no history of exposure to a host or positive case," the doctor stressed.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said private schools who chose to suspend classes have to conduct make-up classes.

The new coronavirus has left 80 people dead in mainland China.

According to the World Health Organization, common signs of coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory infection, kidney failure and even death.

Following the spread of the new coronavirus in parts of Asia, the United States, France, and most recently, Australia, the Philippines' Department of Health has asked all tourists who have been to Wuhan and who show symptoms to immediately seek medical attention.

China's health minister Ma Xiaowei on Monday said the new coronavirus can spread before symptoms show.