MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 14 (PIA) — The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has heightened its information drive to prevent the spread of the dreaded coronavirus (COVID-19) in the province.
IPHO chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said they have started distributing COVD-19 information materials such as flyers and leaflets to key health facilities and the communities. These materials, he said, were translated to Meranao dialect for better understanding.
“Nagpareproduce tayo ng mga information materials, meron tayong mga flyers at pamphlets na pinamimigay natin sa community na na-aaccess ng ating mga kabayayan para lalo silang maliwanagan at malaman nila ang totoo regarding this coronavirus at hindi yung mga fake news ang napipick-up nila,” Minalang said.
(We have reproduced information materials, we have flyers and pamphlets that we distribute to communities and accessible to the public so that they will understand and know the truth regarding coronavirus, not the fake news that they get.)
Billboards were also installed in strategic areas provincewide. Radio plugs were further aired over radio stations in the province to reach residents with no access to social media.
Moreover, IPHO conducted orientation and consultative meeting of health personnel from the municipal health offices, district hospitals, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, and private hospitals to provide updates on COVID-19 and guide them in handling cases properly.
“Hindi lang sa health sector, partner din natin ang LGUs, yung mga mayors natin ay binigyan din ng (Not only in the health sector, but we also partnered with LGUs, our mayors were also given) orientation so that they can help in the dissemination of proper and complete information about coronavirus,” he further said.
According to Minalang, an OFW who has traveled to Macau is currently under monitoring at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center. He said the OFW will soon complete the quarantine period and if no signs of infection will be observed, the OFW will be discharged.
Meanwhile, Minalang also reminded the public to practice proper hygiene at all times.
“We know that COVID-19 has no vaccine or treatment yet. But proper personal hygiene is very important to prevent this infection,” he added.
He recommended frequent hand-washing, proper etiquette of coughing and sneezing, and keeping healthy habits to boost the immune system to save oneself from coronavirus infection.
Minalang also advised those with flu-like symptoms to immediately consult health personnel at Rural Health Units, Municipal Health Stations, Amai Pakpak Medical Center or the four district hospitals in the province. (APB/PIA10)