The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD)-Mimaropa recently oriented medical officers of the local government units, private hospitals, Municipal/City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices of the 14 municipalities, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, national government agencies and the local media of Oriental Mindoro on the interim guidelines on the preparedness and response to the Corona Virus Disease.
In his opening remarks, Provincial Administrator Hubbert Christopher A. Dolor said, “Each one has a role to do. If all sectors would be together and help with each other in the province of Oriental Mindoro, we would be free from the terrifying spread of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).”
Dolor encourages all social media users to be responsible in sharing information in order to not create panic to many especially information that are fake and unreliable.
Meanwhile, Noel Orosco of DOH Regional Epidemeology Surveillance Unit discussed how COVID-19 can be acquired. Likewise, Orosco mentioned the manifestations of one being affected by virus as having fever, cough and sometimes having shortage in breathing and would possibly result to pneumonia, kidney failure and death.
Based on the report of DOH, ages 40-60 are usually affected by the virus and most of them are males. Orosco said that the Corona Virus Disease is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. It is zoonotic, which means it is being transmitted between animals and people.
“Several known Corona Viruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans,” Orosco said.
DOH Mimaropa shared “Tips Kontra Novel Coronavirus” from Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag in an acronym called WUHAN, where W stands for Wash your hands often; U – Use masks properly; H – Have your temperature checked daily for fever; A – Avoid large crowds; and N – Never touch your face with unwashed hands, no hugs and kisses for now.
DOH Mimaropa is continuously monitoring the situation and providing response as needed. The agency is in regular contact with the local health partners for continuous surveillance and response providing supports.
DOH Mimaropa Regional Director Mario Baquilod assured that DOH Central Office, Provincial/Municipal /City Health and Hospital partners and other stakeholders regularly informed of developments.(Luis T. Cueto/PIA-Ormin)
