The Department of Health (DOH) today placed all 16 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila on Code White Alert in preparation for the Traslacion or the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene set to begin this Thursday, Jan. 9.
Fourteen health emergency response teams will also be deployed in strategic areas along the route of the Traslacion to provide emergency medical services to the thousands of devotees expected to attend
“I call on all devotees who will be joining the procession to wear comfortable clothes and protective footwear, and to wear hats and bring fans to combat the heat. Also bring raincoats/ponchos in case it rains, and enough clean drinking water to avoid dehydration. Make sure to bring bite-size non-perishable food such as candies or chocolates for quick hunger relief, and avoid wearing jewelries and bringing expensive gadgets and other valuables,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III advised.
“Devotees with chronic illnesses should also bring their maintenance medicines, or better yet, stay and pray at home. Children and pregnant women are also advised not to join the procession,” Duque added.
The Code White Alert is declared among hospitals during national events, holidays, or celebrations that may cause mass casualties or emergencies. During Code White Alert, emergency medicines and supplies, especially for trauma needs, are made readily-available. Moreover, medical specialists are placed on stand-by for the immediate treatment of incoming patients, while emergency service personnel, nursing and administrative personnel are placed on on-call status for immediate mobilization.
“Know where the Emergency Medical Stations are located for easy access in case of any medical emergency. Let us pray for a peaceful and safe Traslacion,” the Health Chief concluded.
