DILG orders all barangays to form health emergency teams for nCoV

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año ordered all barangays nationwide to organize Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) to prepare for the novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak.

Each BHERT, appointed by the barangay chairman, will be composed of an executive officer, a barangay tanod, and two barangay health workers, and will be provided with protective gear.

These teams will visit and monitor passengers arriving from affected countries, document their contacts, and require them to record their daily body temperatures during a 14-day home quarantine.

If BHERTs observe any nCoV symptoms within their communities, they must isolate the concerned individuals, provide them with an N95 mask, and coordinate with health officials for immediate transfer to a referral center.

Local chief executives are also directed to lead information campaigns and establish information centers to combat the virus and prevent panic.

In General Santos City, DILG city director Rilimin Sandoval stressed the importance of activating BHERTs for proper handling and preparedness at the barangay level.

General Santos City officials have met with all 26 barangays to ensure immediate compliance with the DILG's order, with the city's Liga ng mga Barangay chairperson assuring full cooperation.