The Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III warned against the possibility of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading in congested evacuation centers following the onslaught of Typhoon #UlyssesPH.
The DOH reminded the thousands of individuals in evacuation centers to observe the minimum health standards such as wearing of mask, washing of hands, and 3 meter-distancing to prevent the further spread of the virus.
While the health department admitted that the compliance with physical distancing in the evacuation centers is a challenge, it assured that there are designated monitoring teams from regional offices to be on the lookout for people who may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
“It’s a challenge still, pero sinisiguro po namin na kahit papaano ay naipapatupad po natin itong mga minimum health protocols natin (but we are ensuring that the minimum health protocols are somehow implemented),” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire disclosed.
According to the health department, around P26.8 million worth of hygiene kits, medicine, face masks, and water containers were distributed to typhoon victims in Metro Manila and CALABARZON.
Local health officials were also advised to continue providing masks to evacuees as these are no longer effective once wet.
It will take 3 to 4 weeks before determining the possible effects of the typhoon in the increase of the COVID-19 cases due to people cramped in evacuation areas.
