FALSE: ‘Confirmed cases’ of coronavirus at PBCom Tower in Makati

Claim: “Confirmed cases” of the novel coronavirus or 2019 nCoV were recorded at the Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom) Tower in Makati City, according to a message that circulated Friday, January 24.

The message read: “Dear colleagues, was just informed by one of my managers that there are confirmed cases of the coronavirus at PBCom Tower in Makati. Please wear masks and take necessary precautions.”

A reader emailed a screenshot of the message to Rappler for verification. He said his friend received the message and passed it to their circle of friends. As of writing, the information has also spread on Facebook and Twitter, but the original source of the message remains unknown. 

Rating: FALSE

The facts: Speaking to reporters on January 24, Health Undersecretary Eric  Domingo maintained that there is still no confirmed case of the 2019 nCov in the Philippines. The management of PBCom Tower also said there is “no truth” to the information.

“‘Wag magpapaniwala sa mga kung ano-anong lumalabas. Wala pang lumalalabas na case ng novel coronavirus 2019 [sa Pilipinas],” Domingo said.

(Don’t believe the unverified information that comes out. There are still no confirmed cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus [in the Philippines].)

In addition, PBCom Tower building manager Carlo Magpantay confirmed to Rappler that there are no cases of coronavirus in the building.

“There is no truth to the information circulating on social media that there are confirmed cases of coronavirus in PBCom Tower. PBCom Tower is on normal operation and not locked down,” he said via PBCom’s official Facebook account.

The 2019 nCov started in Wuhan, China, and has infected over 200 people as of writing. The World Health Organization said the virus’ mode of transmission is still being determined, but a Beijing government expert said human-to-human transmission is possible. (READ: ‘Novel coronavirus’ or 2019 nCoV: What we know so far)

As of January 24, there is only one case in the Philippines that is officially under investigation – a 5-year-old boy in Cebu City. Two separate cases are being monitored, that of a 39-year-old from Tacloban and a 2-year-old from Aklan. – Pauline Macaraeg/Rappler.com

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