With no confirmed case of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID – 19) in the region, the Department of Health Cordillera echoed the joint statement of the DOH, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism on organizing public gatherings, meetings and festivals amid the COVID – 19 concern provided the organizers and the public follow the precautionary measures advised by the health department.
DOH Cordillera Center for Health and Development OIC Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan reported in a media briefing that as of February 23, the region remains COVID–19- free with all the 28 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) tested negative from the virus. Of the 28 PUIs, 26 were already discharged while two others are completing their 14-day observation period, she added.
There is no need for panic or alarm and that organizing crowd drawing events or public gathering is safe with people practicing proper hygiene and health seeking behavior, Pangilinan said.
As precautionary measure amid the COVID threat, at least 10 local government units in the region have cancelled or postponed their festivals and other big gatherings scheduled in the months of February and March, as well as some eco-tourism activities.
Among these are the Panagbenga of Baguio City, Strawberry Festival of La Trinidad, Benguet, the 4th Bodong Festival of Kalinga, and Ubaya Festival of Besao and Ayyoweng di Lambak Festival of Tadian, both in Mountain Province.
Among the LGUs that temporarily banned tourism-related activities are Tinglayan, and Pasil in Kalinga, Atok and Itogon in Benguet, and Sagada, Mountain Province.
But per a DOH-DILG-DOT joint statement, some of postponed activities will now proceed as long as preventive and precautionary measures are put in place to curb the spread of the COVID-19.
Primary on the public health advisories of DOH to help mitigate the spread of respiratory infections are proper cough/sneezing etiquette; washing hands properly and frequently, avoiding contact as much as possible with sick persons especially with respiratory conditions, and for sick people to stay at home or avoid going into crowded places. If signs of cough, colds, sore throat and fever appear, one should seek medical attention.
Here’s good hygiene etiquette when coughing or sneezing which people should practice.
Cover mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Put used tissue in a waste basket. Bring along small paper or plastic bag to put used tissue especially when traveling.
· Wash hands after coughing or sneezing
According to the DOH, this is how to wash hands properly.
· Wet your hands with clean water.
· Apply soap and lather well.
· Rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces, including the back of hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails.
· Rinse well.
· Dry hands with a clean towel or air-dry them.
In case of no water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) can also be used.
Moreover, with the prevailing cold weather which can trigger other respiratory illnesses, the DOH reiterates for people to boost their immune system, eat nutritious food and keep themselves healthy by drinking enough water and having enough sleep and to manage stress.
As the DOH constantly reminds, the best treatment is prevention. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
