DOH activates ‘Code White’ for Holy Week travel surge

Inquirer File Photo (Grig C. Montegrande)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has raised a “Code White Alert” in anticipation of the mass travel expected during the upcoming Holy Week, from March 24 to 31.

“Code White Alert is declared during national events, holidays, or celebrations that can potentially cause mass casualty incidents or emergencies,” the DOH said in a statement.

Under a Code White Alert, selected medical personnel and staff are prepared to quickly respond and provide treatment to patients arriving at hospitals.

The health department is coordinating with its Centers for Health Development and regional or provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices, especially in areas frequented by tourists during this religious period.

To ensure safety and health during Holy Week, the public is advised to:

• Drink plenty of clean water to avoid dehydration.
• Limit exposure to heat to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or stroke.
• Stay alert for common seasonal ailments like sore eyes, heat rash, coughs and colds, skin conditions, and vector-borne diseases such as Dengue.
• Closely supervise children during swimming and other aquatic activities.

Additionally, the DOH-Calabarzon has declared a Code White Alert in its healthcare facilities, which will be in effect from March 27 to 31.