Distrustful of the spread of COVID-19, DOH seeks security monitoring at evacuation centers

MANILA – The Department of Health requested on Friday a security monitoring in the evacuation centers, warning that the spread of the new coronavirus is “a very strong possibility”, with thousands of displaced after Typhoon Ulises flooded thousands of homes in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Evacuation centers should have security officers who are on the lookout for COVID-19 symptoms among evacuees, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in the wake of the disaster that struck while the nation was still battling the COVID-19 pandemic. .

Ideally, there should be only one family per tent or room. Evacuees should also wear anti-virus masks, keep a distance of 3 meters from other people and wash their hands frequently, he said.

People who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, including the elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying health problems, should be in separate rooms, Duque said.

“It (the spread of COVID-19) is a possibility. It is a very strong possibility,” he told reporters.

“That is why our security officers assigned by DOH to local government units must be vigilant, in compliance with the minimum health standards in evacuation centers,” he added.

(That is why our security officers that DOH deployed in local government units must be vigilant, minimum health standards must be followed in evacuation centers.)

The health department has distributed P26.8 million in hygiene kits, medicines, masks, water containers in Metro Manila and Calabarzon, said its boss.

The agency has confirmed 402,820 coronavirus infections, with 7,721 deaths, as of Thursday. The Philippines has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia.