Various stakeholders present measures, readiness vs Covid-19

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 24, (PIA)- Government agencies at the forefront of response and management efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID) 2019 present the measures being undertaken by their offices relative to COVID-19 during the PIA Kapihan held on February 20, 2020 at Kemji Resort and Restaurant, Virac, Catanduanes.

PIA Catanduanes Information Center Manager Edna A. Bagadiong provided a brief introduction on the purpose of the activity which is to provide awareness promotion and prevention; provide an avenue for different government agencies to present their respective roles as members of the Emerging Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Provincial Task Force (EREID), to respond to COVID-19 issue with representatives from the PHO, DOH, EBC, DepEd, Provincial Tourism Office, PNP, Philhealth, Liga ng mga Barangay, DILG, DSWD, PDRRMO, OWWA, DOLE, ARDCI representative and local media.

According to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hazel Palmes, since January 30, the Provincial Government of Catanduanes have already implemented prevented measures to contain the entry of COVID-19 in the province by issuing executive order reconstituting the EREID Task Force through the advice of DILG Provincial Director Uldarico Razal, Jr. Also, since then, they have been closely coordinating with CAAP and PPA to implement precautionary measures especially in point of entries which are the seaports and airport.

On the other hand, Dr. Vietrez D. Abella, Chief of Hospital of the Eastern Bicol Medical Center said that as part of their preventive measures, the number of visitors of patients confined at EBMC are being limited to two (2) and visiting hours is only from 10:00AM to 12:00NN and 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Children ages 10 and below are also not allowed to visit to avoid exposure to communicable diseases. Each patient is also allowed one (1) watcher depending on the case.

Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Ms. Carmel B. Garcia said that as of now, tourism industry in the province is not yet affected despite Chinese tourists are the second foreign market of Catanduanes according to their 2019 data. They also assured that tourism establishments in the island are aware of the existing protocols which includes securing of Identification Card, filling of DOH Assessment Form of tourists to know their travel history prior to visiting the island.

Other participants assured that they are on alert and is implementing preventive measures in coordination with their respective regional and local offices to stop the spread of COVID-19. (EABagadiong-PIA5/Catanduanes)

News Feed:

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1035496
Latest News | Philippine Information Agency