By JIGGER J. JERUSALEM
and NITZ ARANCON
Correspondents
MAYOR Oscar Moreno yesterday ordered the City Health Office and the local government-owned JR Borja Memorial General Hospital to help the health department by stepping up the monitoring of potential carriers of the novel coronavirus.
This came as the Department of Health (DOH) in the region went on “red alert” a day after Health Secretary Francisco Duque announced the discovery of the first case of novel coronavirus infection in the country. The virus was brought in by a Chinese woman who traveled to Cebu, Dumaguete and Manila from overseas.
Dr. David Mendoza, chief epidemiologist of the DOH in Region 10, said the red alert meant that the Department would set in motion protocols such as the strict screening of arrivals in the region. He said they have also reactivated their Incident Management System.
City hall spokesperson Maricel Rivera said Moreno also directed the incident management teams of the local health office and the hospital to go on “standby” mode and prepare for a worst scenario.
Dr. Lorraine Nery, officer-in-charge of the health office, said the the CHO is closely coordinating with the Department of Health DOH in ensuring that medical facilities in the city are prepared in case a suspected virus carrier or an infected person steps in.
“DOH protocols and guidelines are ready to be implemented in the event there are patients who need medical attention,” Nery said in a report.
Rivera said the JR Borja hospital set up a special triage to cater to patients before proceeding to the emergency room or to the out-patient department.
She said the city government is also coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry in the event of hoarding or increase in the prices of face masks in the local market.
Nery said Moreno also instructed the CHO to assist the DOH in monitoring arrivals at the Mindanao International Container Port in Tagoloan town, the airport in Laguindingan town, and the Cagayan de Oro port in Barangay Macabalan.
“As of 4:30 pm (Thursday), intensive contact tracing is now being carried out. DOH-10 will be notified at once when contacts will be traced leading to the region. Protocols are set and DOH is on top of that,” said Nery.
She said that protocols in handling or consulting patients have already been followed upon its release a few days ago.
“In the meantime, we have strengthened our information campaign on prevention of contracting and spreading of any respiratory infection,” Nery added.
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