CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Instead of focusing on restraining the entry of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in the region, Department of Health (DOH)-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an urged the local government units (LGUs) to facilitate the return of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), and strengthen Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMF).
“We should shift our mindset now because COVID-19 is a pandemic.The best message is really to take care of all Filipinos and that is the biggest badge of honor,” Suba-an said during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, June 18.
When LGUs tried to contain the spread of the disease by limiting the entry of persons in their areas before, Suba-an stressed that everyone should now abide by the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to take care of the LSIs and ROFs.
“We have to contain it [COVID-19], we have to manage it. We have to show more compassion to promote and preserve human dignity,” Suba-an said.
If in case of surging COVID-19 cases upon the return of LSIs and ROFs, Suba-an said LGUs should ensure that TTMFs are ready including the 1 bed per 2,500 population ratio in a local isolation unit.
As for contact tracing, the regional director urged LGUs to always have a team that is trained to conduct such aside from ensuring facilities to accept patients.
As of June 18, the region has 61 certified LIGTAS-COVID centers capable of dealing mild or moderate cases of COVID-19, 12 of which are PhilHealth accredited.
Currently, there are 56 confirmed cases in the region, 18 of whom have recovered, 9 expired, 7 currently admitted in the hospital, and 22 are recovering as outpatients. (RTP/PIA10)