DOH, LGUs urged to ensure COVID-19 protocols in evacuation centers

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged local government units (LGUs) to ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed in evacuation centers as nearly a million people evacuated due to Super Typhoon Rolly.

He asked local chief executives to assign safety officers to guarantee that evacuees adhere to health and safety measures, such as wearing masks and frequent hand washing.

Department of Health (DoH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire emphasized that safety officers are crucial for detecting individuals with flu-like symptoms and isolating them immediately.

Vergeire also advised LGUs to be vigilant in monitoring evacuees and continuously reminding them of the importance of wearing masks and washing hands, especially when overcrowding cannot be avoided.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go also urged government agencies and LGUs to collaborate to ensure the safety and health of evacuees, emphasizing the need for continued implementation of health protocols like social distancing and mask-wearing.

Go raised concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 and other diseases in evacuation centers and stressed the importance of having necessary medical supplies and healthcare workers ready.