It is possible that those suspected of having coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will just hide their symptoms and will not be tested because of the no home quarantine policy, according to a group of healthcare professionals.
“Isa sa posible kasing mangyari ay sa takot na lamang, ay hindi na mag-disclose ang tao na sila ay (may) nararamdaman, o hindi na magpa-test kasi nga ito na ang ating patakaran ngayon. So we want to bring that to the attention of our authorities so that this would be addressed,” said Dr. Anna Ong-Lim of Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19.
It will be recalled that the government has banned home quarantine for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
It means they are obliged to go to quarantine facilities. But vulnerable people such as minors, senior citizens, pregnant or breastfeeding people, people with disabilities who have difficulty moving, and immunocompromised or vulnerable to disease are allowed to go home quarantine.
Among those isolated was Jane Labongray in Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, who said there was a chance that she would not have enough food at the facility.
“Mabait naman yung mga manggagawang nag-asikaso sa amin doon… Kaya lang, kulang yung pagkain or ayuda na hinahatid sa amin,” she said.
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‘No Home Quarantine’ policy
“May pagkakataon na dalawang beses kaming kumain sa isang araw. May pagkakataon na tatlong beses kami kumain sa isang araw kasi ako ‘yung bumili ng lunch, ako yung bumili ng breakfast. So, nakadagdag pa sa gastusin ko,” she added.
According to barangay chairman Jose Maria Rodriguez, they have always experienced that some patients hide their true illness, so as not to be isolated in government facilities.
But they made sure that everything was done to ensure the well-being of anyone who approached them.
“Our barangay health responder, she takes care of our patients here. So lunch, dinner, snacks, siya ang nagluluto. When it comes to housekeeping, we are trying our best to manage it. Even yung toiletries, kailangan may imbentaryo kami,” said Rodriguez.
According to Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire, officials should explain to the public why they should not hide their symptoms.