DILG-10 to brgys: Intensify CoViD 19 precautionary measures via BHERTs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–With the first COVID-19 case in confirmed in Mindanao, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region 10 reiterates to barangays the need to intensify their CoVid 19 precautionary measures through mobilizing Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs).

“There is a need to heighten the efforts, especially in the barangay level as the BHERTS are aimed to help in the containment, control and prevention of COVID 19,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe.

With this, the regional director calls for the active response of barangays to their respective responsibilities, based on DILG Memorandum Circular entitled, “Guides to Action Against Coronavirus,” with the full support of their Local Government Unit.

As per said Memorandum Circular, BHERTS shall be organized at the minimum ratio of one team for every 5,000 population and shall be composed of an Executive Officer, a Barangay Tanod and two Barangay Health Workers (one of whom is preferable a nurse or midwife), and where all are appointed by the Punong Barangay.

On Containment and Control

The Punong Barangays are expected to receive from the City/Municipal Mayors, a copy of the Bureau of Immigration record, of barangay residents who recently arrived in the Philippines from a country with confirmed COVID cases.

“Karon ang panahon nga gikinahanglan nato ang kaabtik sa atong mga Punong Barangay aron mas dali nato ma-trace ni nga mga tawo (We need our Punong barangays to be active during these times so that we could easily these people),” said Agabe.

He added that in coordination with the proper authorities, the barangay must strictly implement and monitor the 14-day quarantine of persons arriving from COVID-affected countries.

Moreover, Punong Barangays, in coordination with the city/municipal health and police authorities, shall assist in the safe transfer of a Person Under Investigation (PUI) to a Department of Health (DOH)-designated referral center or quarantine facility.

On Prevention and Mitigation

Aside on assisting on the containment and control, Agabe reminded the barangays to immediately initiate a contact-tracing, where the BHERTS shall list down the names and other important information about all person known to have been in contact with the PUIs, or places they have been prior to his/her arrival in his/her residence or place of stay.

“Collaborative effort is the key in preventing further transmission pf COVID 19; thus, we need our barangays to be on board and provide necessary assistance to DOH, LGUs, and all involved agencies and sectors.

BHERTS are called to report daily to the Punong Barangay the conditions of the PUI, including all measures and actions taken.

Moreover, DILG encouraged the BHERTS to help in disseminating information such as the DOH- coined term “HANDS”, which stands for Hand wash regularly, Avoid crowds, Never cough without handkerchief or tissue, Do wear mask if sick or health care setting, and Seek early consultation. (DILG10/PIA10)