DOH declares ‘code white alert’ in Calabarzon on Holy Week

Calabarzon. INQUIRER FILES

LUCENA CITY — Hospitals and government healthcare workers in Calabarzon region will be on “code white alert” from March 27 to March 31 to meet emergencies during Holy Week.

Dr. Ariel I. Valencia, DOH assistant secretary, said they wanted to ensure that medical facilities in the region “are ready to attend to the needs of the public, especially penitents, in cases of emergencies.”.

“Code white alert” refers to the readiness of medical personnel in hospitals and health offices to provide or respond to necessary health services, including those related to the ongoing exodus to the provinces, the DOH explained.

READ: DOH: NCR hospitals on ‘code white’ alert for Traslacion 2024

Valencia noted that many Catholics, especially in the provinces, still observe penance.

“We need to be ready to extend immediate assistance in case of emergencies during Holy Week,” Valencia said in a statement issued Thursday.

During Good Friday, some male Catholic devotees engage in self-flagellation as a form of atonement. They cut their backs, chests, arms, and legs with blades or knives before whipping themselves with bamboo-tipped whips embedded with thorns, allowing blood to flow from their wounds.

Self-flagellation

However, the Catholic Church, predominant in the Philippines, disapproves of self-flagellation, considering it an extreme misinterpretation of faith. Instead, it emphasizes that prayers and sincere repentance suffice to observe Lent.

As most families also prepare for vacations and outings during Holy Week, Valencia reminded the public to be careful. He emphasized that children should be closely watched when swimming.

The DOH also assures the public that all Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) counterparts at the Local Government Unit (LGU) and hospitals are on standby and would activate and maintain the functions of the Operation Center and Referral Units functioning 24/7 for the covered dates.

Food poisoning

Valencia also reminded the public against food-borne diseases or food poisoning.

“If food poisoning is suspected, visit the nearest hospital,” Valencia said.

Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and most suffer from diarrhea.

“Lenten season is a solemn time with your loved ones. Let us all stay safe and healthy,” the DOH official said. INQ