THE eruption of Taal Volcano and the start of the typhoon season could affect the country’s Covid-19 response effort, according to the Department of Health (DoH).
When natural calamities occur, people seek shelter at evacuation sites, increasing the risk of infection, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a media forum on Monday.
Dozens of families have fled their homes after Taal Volcano spewed ash and gas last week. Flash floods from downpours have also forced residents to stay at evacuation centers.
The DoH’s regional health emergency and management units, as well as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), have drawn plans to assure that the evacuees are protected from Covid-19 infection, Vergeire said.
There should only be one family in one classroom, if the evacuation site is a school. If that is not possible, there should be one tent for each family, she said.
The department also provides face masks, personal protective equipment and antigen test kits, and additional allocations of Covid-19 vaccines for evacuees, Vergeire said.
Dr. Voltaire Guadalupe, DoH-Region 4A Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Health Outcomes manager, said it has deployed P1.7-million worth of medicines and nonmedical supplies. The DoH Central Office, meanwhile, has provided P1.622-million worth of logistics supplies.
The NDRRMC also distributed 2,400 rapid antigen test kits to evacuation centers in Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas.
Covid-19 vaccine allocations for these towns will be increased as well.
Guadalupe said no case of Covid-19 has been reported at the evacuation centers in Agoncillo and Laurel.
