City Hall trains villages vs. COVID-19

(Photo by Rene Elson Balaan / Iloilo City Health Emergency Management Bureau – HEMB & Cho Jaro II)

The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) has started training village officials and health personnel on contingency planning in preparation for the possible spread of CoronaVirus Disease (COVID-19).

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said city-run health centers have been taught on handling and management procedures in case of presence of COVID-19 patient.

He added that Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) will also be trained on the same safety steps in dealing with the situation.

Treñas has organized a task force for the purpose of implementing disease prevention and control measures against COVID-19.

Dr. Roland Jay D. Fortuna serves as focal person with co-lead Dr. Odeta Villaruel who is also in-charge of infectious cluster.

Members include senior nurses of district health centers and Health Emergency Bureau team of CHO working at operation center to perform local crisis management.

They coordinate with village officials in mobilizing their Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) composed of an executive officer, tanod and BHW, to help manage suspected cases and their contacts.

They also consult Department of Health and other offices on the guidelines and protocols.

They likewise tap the media and make use of social media to proper disseminate information for public safety. (Beatriz Angelica Pequierda / Iloilo City PIO)