By Joseph Almer Pedrajas
The Department of Health (DOH) is gearing up for the return of several Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from virus-hit Wuhan, China, who will undergo a 14-day quarantine at the Athletes' Village in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said that they will lay down the dos and don’ts that have to be followed by the returning OFWs to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the area should they be infected with the virus. These include limiting where they could roam around and requiring them to observe cleanliness through using various hygiene kits and disinfectant solutions.
“Mayroon tayong controlled yung environment, regulated talaga. Kaya mo nga kina-quarantine para hindi makahawa ,” Duque said over DZBB interview Friday morning.
“Bibigyan na sila ng hygiene kit para maya-maya, punasan nila yung lapag ng kanilang lamesa at CR ,” he added in another radio interview
“Respiratory droplet ang mode of transmission. Wala sa hangin at doon sa plema. Kapag nalapag sa lamesa, cellphone, libro o computer, tapos nahawakan ng susunod na tao, kinuskos sa ilong, doon ka mahahawa .”
Duque said that they are still finishing the complete list of rules, but gave assurance that the mental and psycho-social health of the returning OFWS will be given consideration.
“ pumunta sa lugar na walang tao para makalanghap ng sariwang hangin. Syempre yung mental health din nila, kailangan mong asikasuhin. Yung psycho-social health services ,” Duque said.
The health secretary added that each repatriated Filipino will have his or her own room, which could accommodate two more if they have kids with them. Each room also has its own toilet, air-condition unit, television and refrigerator.
While undergoing a two-week quarantine, OFW returnees would be provided with access to limited hours of internet connection so they could make calls to their families.
Aside from it, the health department will give those under their care complete packed meals. Doctors and nurses wearing protective gear will also monitor the status of the repatriates.
The DOH is expecting some 40 to 50 OFWs from Wuhan. However, Duque said that they are still finalizing the list as some are still hesitant to return to the country.
Read more: PH repatriation team now in Wuhan, Athletes’ Village in New Clark City to be put on lockdown for Hubei repatriates