The Department of Health strongly advised the public to continue practicing minimum health standards and reiterated its call for Local Government Units (LGUs) to designate safety officers in evacuation centers and implement measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III detailed the responsibilities of these safety officers in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“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,” Duque said.
Sec. Duque further emphasized the need for LGUs to protect vulnerable evacuees by separating them, and to immediately isolate symptomatic evacuees. If possible, the Secretary 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.
Meanwhile, Duque 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).