Health officials on Friday called for close monitoring of evacuation centers to spot new outbreaks of the novel coronavirus, “a very strong possibility” as thousands of displaced residents fled their flooded homes in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque said evacuation centers should have safety officers who will watch out for symptoms of COVID-19 among evacuees, in the wake of the disaster that struck as the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ideally, there should be only one family per tent or room, Duque said. Evacuees should also wear anti-virus masks, keep a three-meter distance from other people, and frequently wash their hands, he added.
Individuals who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health problems, should be in separate quarters, Duque said.
He said COVID-19 spread in crowded evacuation centers was “a very strong possibility.”
The DOH has distributed P26.8 million worth of hygiene kits, medicine, face masks, water containers in Metro Manila and Calabarzon, Duque said.
The Philippines has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Southeast Asia, next to Indonesia.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday urged the national government to provide Typhoon Ulysses evacuees free face masks and rubbing alcohol.
“We may have rescued them from dangerous flooding, but let’s not put them at risk of a dangerous virus,” she added.
The DOH on Friday offered free medicine against leptospirosis and tetanus for people who waded through floods in the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses. These can be had at their nearest health centers, the DOH said.
Many areas in Luzon, including the National Capital Region (NCR), experienced massive flooding due to Ulysses, which left dozens dead and injured.
“Thosewho have waded through floods, please go to the nearest health center so you can be given a prophylaxis for preventing leptospirosis,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, speaking in Filipino. “This is important because leptospirosis can be fatal.”
Vergeire said that those in need of this medical assistance need not worry since it will be given for free.
She said the prophylaxis must be given 24 to 48 hours after a person has waded through flood waters.
Vergeire also said the DOH’s regional units have been instructed to provide face masks to evacuees as a result of Typhoon Ulysses and Super Typhoon Rolly, which battered the country only days apart.