The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has moved to intensify the enforcement of health protocols amid rising cases of COVID-19.
Based on Resolution No. 102, the recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) was adopted concerning the stricter implementation of existing protocols such as wearing of mask, shield, handwashing, distancing, proper ventilation and reduced interaction.
The reinforcement of “correct information on COVID-19” was also ordered. Local government units are likewise pushed to intensify prevent, detect, isolate, treat, and reintegrate strategies together with contact tracing.
Establishments are directed to strictly implement current risk mitigation strategies including engineering controls, ventilation, and contact tracing, and the measurement of compliance.
“Habang dumarami ang kaso ng COVID-19 ngayon, mas importante po na mapatupad natin itong minimum health standard (It is important to enforce minimum health standard amid the increase of COVID-19 cases),” Pres. Spox. Harry Roque affirmed.
Sec. Roque added that the government has a directive to boost forces of police and military to ensure the compliance with the rules.
“It is a national policy now. it is a directive issued by the DILG which must be implemented by the PNP nationwide, but particularly in areas where there are noted increase in number of COVID cases,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the digital contact tracing application StaySafe will have its full implementation within 10 days.
Malacañang assured the close monitoring of the economy amid the intensified implementation of protocols following the statement of President Duterte on Thursday that he has a “timetable of just weeks” to open it. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
