The Department of Health (DOH) urged the Local Government Units (LGUs) to designate safety officers in evacuation centers to ensure the implementation of minimum health standards to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
“Sila po ang magsagawa ng symptoms screening, clinical and exposure assessment of evacuees para madaliang matukoy at ma-isolate ang mga suspect and probable cases,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque, during the NDRRMC national briefing, detailing the roles and responsibilities of safety officers.
Sec. Duque further noted the need for LGUs to protect vulnerable evacuees by separating them and immediately isolating symptomatic evacuees. If possible, Duque suggested that a “one family, one classroom or tent” policy should be adopted to prevent disease transmission and maintain proper room ventilation.
“Bigyan ng hiwalay na silid ang mga high risk individuals tulad ng mga edad 60 pataas, may mga karamdaman, buntis at may mga bata. I-isolate din ang mga may sintomas sa TTMF o sa hiwalay na silid o evacuation center,” he said.
During the national briefing, Duque also said that the DOH’s primary concern is the unstable communication lines and irregular power and water supply in the Bicol Region. He added that most health care workers in the region were not able to report for work because they were victims of heavy flooding, flash floods, and lahar flow. Another problem is the potential disruption of cold chain management should there be a prolonged power shortage.
DOH urges LGUs to ensure health protocols in evacuation centers
The DOH chief clarified that immediate responders assisting affected regions or localities need not be tested for COVID-19 as long as they have undergone complete physical/medical examination and certified by a physician to be asymptomatic and with no history of exposure to a confirmed, suspect, or probable case.
“Nais po naming linawin na hindi kinakailangang sumailalim sa testing ang ating mga responders as long as sila ay asymptomatic at walang history of exposure to a confirmed or probable case as certified by a physician,” Sec. Duque said.
“Makakasiguro po tayo na hindi ito magiging sanhi ng pagkalat ng COVID-19, ngunit kinakailangan ang pagpapahigpit ng compliance sa minimum public health standards,” he said, adding that first responders will strictly adhere to established infection prevention and control protocols including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).