MISAMIS Occidental interior and local government department has completed the training of the 216 contact tracers who were hired and ready to be deployed in the province.
A refresher training on the fundamentals of contact tracing using pre-recorded audiovisual materials by the Department of Health (DOH) was conducted, said in a press statement Monday.
“These contact tracers shall assist and boost local government units' (LGUs) COVID-19 active surveillance measures,” said DILG provincial director Pablio L. Benitez, Jr.
Benitez said the 216 came from the total 499 applicants who underwent virtual deliberation for the vacancy.
“Congratulations for making it this far. You will not only provide for your family amid the pandemic, but you will also play a significant role in winning the fight against COVID-19,” said Benitez.
The DILG Misamis Occidental administered the signing of contract of services to newly hired contact tracers at ABC Gymnasium, Oroquieta City.
Reminders of good conduct and ethical considerations at work as well as reiteration of various administrative requirements and their duties and obligations were other highlights of the activity.
Moreover, Benitez underscored the need-based deployment of contact tracers across the province.
"As much as I want you to be assigned in the place of your residence, your deployment is need-based. With this, you will function as an augmentation team to LGUs which may have a high incidence of COVID-19 cases,” he said.
Benitez added that the deployment plan for the province is currently under review and per interim guidelines on the deployment of the DILG-hired contact tracers, they shall be assigned in their locality or in adjoining LGUs.
“But depending on the demand, may be deployed in other areas outside their designated station in some instances,” according to Benitez.
On the actual deployment, DILG’s City or Municipal operations officers shall coordinate with concerned LGUs to ensure smooth interfacing and integration of the contact tracers in the locality.
The length of their engagement shall be strictly from October 1 until the end of December 31, 2020.
The department cannot overemphasize the demand for contact tracers who are trained in dealing with the sensitivities governing the established DOH protocols and other practical approaches in tracing the close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 patients.
With the close supervision of DILG field officers together with the local health units, the newly hired contact tracers are expected to contribute to the maintenance of effective systems for the surveillance of COVID19, in the current protocols, guidance and standard operating procedures. (DILG and PIA Misocc)
