LGUs told to form task forces vs nCov

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has advised all local government units (LGUs) to create their respective Corona Virus Task Forces to help contain the spread of the disease in the country now that health authorities have confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus (2019 nCov) in the Philippines.

“With the declaration of the World Health Organization of a World Health Emergency, Secretary Eduardo M. Año has directed all LGUs to be on a state of preparedness and take all pro-active steps to stop the spread of this disease. All LGUs nationwide are advised to create their respective task forces to implement DOH protocols and guidelines and extend full cooperation to the DOH and other government agencies to meet the world health emergency,” said DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya.

He said that the Local Task Force under the direct leadership of the governor or the mayor shall ensure that local health authorities have the necessary equipment and protective gadgets such as masks, goggles, gowns, gloves, etc. The Task Force should also cause the referral and transport of a nCov suspect to a DOH-designated coronavirus-referral center or hospital, in coordination with DOH and police authorities.

Malaya said that local chief executives must also train their respective health workers on nCov prevention, containment, and control, in coordination with the DOH. He also urged LGUs to conduct city and municipality-wide coronavirus prevention, containment, and control information campaigns to educate the public.

House full support

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano appealed to all Local Government Unit officials to give their full support to the DOH following the reported first case of novel Coronavirus (N-CoV) in the country.

In a statement, Cayetano encouraged all LGU officials to help track and report immediately suspected cases of N-CoV in their communities.

“We are confident that all of the concerned government units are working together to prevent the spread of the virus to avoid the worsening of the situation,” Cayetano said.

PNP assiatance

Philippine National Police chief, General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa has ordered a stepped-up crackdown against prostitution rings catering mostly to Chinese POGO workers in the country even as he urged the citizenry to provide them information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the human traffickers including their ‘big bosses.’

The PNP chief said the PNP Women and Children Protection Division will be leading the campaign in coordination with local police units specifically the National Capital Region Police Office, local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Services.

DepEd action

The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered school officials to strengthen the promotion of awareness and precautionary measures for schools and their immediate communities following the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus (nCOV) infection in the Philippines.

SC virus alert

In a rarely-issued medical advisory, the Supreme Court yesterday directed court personnel to take extra precautions to avoid contracting the deadly novel coronavirus or 2019-nCOV.

In an advisory, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta called on court workers to observe proper hand, respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

With Jester P. Manalastas, Alfred Dalizon, Arlene Rivera, Hector Lawas