DOH reminds LGUs: Do symptoms screening in evacuation sites

Evacuation of residents in Iriga City due to Typhoon Quinta. Photo courtesy of Iriga City LGU

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units should check evacuees for symptoms of the coronavirus disease and to have those with symptoms isolated from evacuation sites, the Department of Health said Monday.

This is in lieu of a COVID-19 test, as a RT-PCR test or even a rapid test will not be feasible in the current crisis situation, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

“Ang ina-advise natin, bago papasukin sa evacuation site, do the symptoms screening,” she said in an online media forum.

(Our advice, before evacuees are sent to evacuation sites, LGUs should do the symptoms screening.)

“Lahat ng may sintomas hindi na pwedeng sumama doon, dalhin na doon sa quarantine facility,” Vergeire added.

(All those who have symptoms of COVID-19 should not be included in evacuation sites and should be sent to quarantine facilities.)

LGUs should also have separate facilities for evacuation sites from their COVID-19 quarantine facilities.

Strict compliance with minimum health standards, such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and frequent handwashing.

LGUs should install handwashing areas in evacuation sites in areas ravaged by typhoon Quinta.

“Kung hindi mangyari ‘yung physical distance, sa dami siguro minsan, talagang nakamask and frequent handwashing should be emphasized,” Vergeire said.

(If physical distancing is not feasible due to the number of evacuees, wearing of masks and frequent handwashing should be emphasized.)

EDV