PHILIPPINE EMBASSY ADVISORY NO. 3 ON MERS-COV IN KOREA, 14 June 2015

1. Establishment of an English toll-free MERS-CoV hotline (109) where you may get information on MERS-CoV including typical symptoms and necessary medical treatment, as well as medical facilities you may visit.

2. Daily English summaries of the press releases of the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) where you may get additional information regarding the MERS-CoV situation in the country (www.english.mw.go.kr).

3. Establishment of the National Safe Hospital (GukminAnshim Hospital) Program to effectively control MERS infections within hospitals by providing care for patients with respiratory diseases in secured areas.87 hospitals, including 21 higher-grade general hospitals will begin operating under the name of ���National Safe Hospitals��� as early as 15 June. For more information on the program, please visit the MOHW website or contact the Korea Hospital Association at 02-750-9215 to 9216.

The MOHW and the World Health Organization (WHO) have emphasized the following points in determining the likelihood of MERS infection:

o Any person suffering from fever or respiratory symptoms;
o Any person who may have been exposed to a MERS patient;
o Any person who may have visited a healthcare facility where a MERS patient has been treated;
o Any person who has traveled to the Middle East in the 14 days before symptom onset.

Any individualwith positive responses should be promptly reported to public health authorities and managed as a suspected case while the diagnosis is being confirmed. Any suspected case or contacts of a suspected case that has yet to be declared negative for the MERS-CoV should refrain from unnecessary movement and domestic or international travel.

The Philippine Embassy encourages all Filipinos in Korea to stay well-informed of the MERS-CoV situation in the country, as well as of the different government-instituted programs to fight the spread of the disease in the country. Filipinos are also advised to remain calm and to always remain vigilant and stand ready to report suspect cases among Filipinos in Korea to the Philippine Embassy.

Filipinos and foreigners visiting the Philippines are advised to cooperate with health authorities at all points of entry in complying with screening procedures including filling up the Health Declaration Checklist to ensure public safety and to keep the Philippines MERS-free.