DUQUE REPORTS P26.5M SUPPLIES AND MEDICINES PREPOSITIONED IN PREPARATION FOR TYPHOON ROLLY, ASSURES SAFETY OF COVID-19 PATIENTS

Press Release | 01 November 2020

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today reported that the Department of Health (DOH) has prepositioned about P26.5M worth of drugs, medicines, medical supplies, health kits, including personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other COVID-19 supplies in preparation for typhoon Rolly. He added that a total of P21.7M worth of commodities are also available and immediately mobilizable at the DOH Central office warehouse.

Sec. Duque further added that in preparation for the super typhoon, DOH has raised the code red alert in all affected regions and has alerted hospitals to ensure standby functional generator sets and adequate critical life-saving equipment for use in emergency situations.

At the regional Centers for Health Development (CHDs), the Health Chief has instructed the activation of emergency operation centers in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Bicol Region. 

The Secretary has also alerted concerned provincial DOH offices to actively monitor and report any untoward incident in their respective areas of responsibility. Additionally, Sec. Duque reported that Health Emergency Response Teams are now on standby and ready for deployment.

Furthermore, the Health Chief assured the public that COVID-19 patients and health workers in Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs) have already evacuated to assure their safety. Patients and staff of Mega TTMFs such as the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Filinvest Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities, and Philippine Arena were transferred to various hotel isolation facilities in the National Capital Region. On the other hand, TTMF patients and staff in Albay province were evacuated in Day Care Centers, public schools, and evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, Sec. Duque urged the public to continue practicing minimum public health standards to prevent transmission of COVID-19 in their homes and in evacuation centers.

“Whether at home or in evacuation centers, we should maintain at least one meter distance between ourselves and others. Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water, or clean your hands with an alcohol-based handrub, cover your nose and mouth every time you cough or sneeze with your back elbow or tissue coughing or sneezing, and immediately consult a doctor if you show severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and dizziness, ”Duque said.

Sec. Duque also advised the public on how to prevent leptospirosis and other waterborne diseases, saying “Do not go out and walk in the flood, especially those with foot injuries. If it is unavoidable, wear protective wear or boots. For those who went down in the flood, let's go to our health centers to be given post-exposure prophylaxis if necessary to prevent leptospirosis. Also make sure the drinking water and our prepared foods are clean. Boil the drinking water for three minutes and wash our ingredients well and cook our food well. ”