Health officials of Cagayan de Oro City cautioned Kagay-anons not to self-medicate when they are showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In today’s press conference (April 20) at the City Hall, Dr. Ian Gonzales, head of the Infectious Disease Cluster of the Department of Health Region 10, said it is best to consult with their doctors right away when they are experiencing cough, fever, or other symptoms.

Gonzales also advised the public against purchasing diagnostic rapid test kits on COVID-19 that are allegedly being sold via social media.

According to him, although some of the rapid test kits have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are not fit for “personal or home use.”

“These rapid test kits still need to be administered by doctors or health workers,” said Gonzales, adding that the results need to be interpreted properly in an appropriate facility.

As of today (April 20), no new cases have been admitted to the Northern Mindanao Medical center (NMMC), the COVID-19 referral hub of Region 10.

Gonzales also shared that the Regional Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory is undergoing renovations to be established as a local COVID-19 testing facility.