Rokiah Mahmud

Tests on a patient for influenza viruses and the 2019n-Cov virus have tested negative, the Ministry of Health (MoH) stated in a release yesterday.

The patient, a Chinese national, was sent to the National Isolation Centre for further examination and precautionary measures on Friday, the release added.

The patient is in a stable condition and will be permitted to continue with her journey as soon as doctors confirm she is fit.

For information on the prevention of influenza infection, the public can visit the ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.bn or contact Darussalam line 123.

According to an international news source, travellers and members of the public should avoid contact with live animals, including poultry and birds, avoid eating raw and undercooked meat, avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are unwell or are showing symptoms of illness.

Members of the public must observe good hygiene, wash hands with soap frequently, including before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet or when hands are dirtied after coughing or sneezing, wear a mask if showing respiratory symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath, cover your mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing and throw the soiled tissue paper into the bin at once and see a doctor if you are feeling sick.

Travellers are also advised to monitor their health closely for two weeks upon their return.

They should see a doctor if they are feeling unwell and inform the doctor of their travel history, it said, adding that they should wear a mask and call the clinic before they visit if they have a fever, cough or shortness of breath.