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LUCENA CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region on Tuesday reminded the public to observe health and safety measures when visiting cemeteries on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day or “Undas.”
It also placed hospitals and health facilities in the region on “code white alert” from October 28 to November 5 for the barangay elections and the annual observance of “Undas.”
“Code white alert” refers to the readiness of the workforce of every hospital and health facility to respond to any emergency situation and provide necessary health services.
“This is in anticipation of eventualities because of the pooling of people in designated precincts and cemeteries, and even those that are in travel because of vacation,” Dr. Ariel Valencia, DOH-Calabarzon regional director said.
The DOH-Calabarzon assured the public that all health personnel in disaster risk reduction management offices at the local government units and hospitals are on standby.
Health hotline
The Operation Center/One Hospital Command (OPCEN/OHCC) will be activated and maintained 24 hours daily during the period.
The agency provided telephone numbers to call – 09456372023; 09283544498; 4920000 local 4446-4447 – in case of health emergency.#
Food safety
“Practice proper preparation of the food you’ll be bringing. Avoid packing perishable food,” the DOH-Calabarzon said in the list of public safety and health reminders that was posted on their Facebook page.
“We have to be wary of the food we eat particularly those easy to get spoiled and if we are uncertain when and how the food was prepared. If food poisoning is suspected, visit the nearest hospital,” Valencia said.
He warned the public against food-borne diseases or food poisoning caused by infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and non-infectious agents (chemicals, animal and plant toxins).
The DOH Calabarzon also urged the public to use insect repellent to avoid insect bites.=
The DOH-Calabarzon assured the public that all health personnel in disaster risk reduction management offices at the local government units and hospitals are on standby.
The Operation Center/One Hospital Command (OPCEN/OHCC) will be activated and maintained 24 hours daily during the period.
The agency provided telephone numbers to call – 09456372023; 09283544498; 4920000 local 4446-4447 – in case of health emergency.