DOH calls on LGUs in Ambo-hit areas to observe COVID-19 health protocols

The Department of Health (DOH) called on local government units in areas that will be hit by typhoon Ambo to ensure that their evacuation centers are compliant with COVID-19 minimum health standards.

Health undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire on Thursday said local disaster response teams have mobilized to ensure that LGUs evacuation centers are compliant with the department’s protocols.

“So kailangan pong maipatupad or magkaroon ng stratehiya na kung saan ay magkakaroon ng paghihiwalay ng mga pamilya sa mga evacuation centers (We also need to prepare a strategy for possible separation of families at evacuation centers),” Vergerie said.

She added that LGUs can use tents or other facilities to ensure that physical distancing will be observed in the evacuation centers to prevent further COVID-19 infections.

The Philippines has 11,618 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday afternoon. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Typhoon Ambo made landfall over San Policarpio, Eastern Samar at 12:15 pm today, May 14.