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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG says budget constraints hamper hiring of COVID-19 contact tracers

DILG says budget constraints hamper hiring of COVID-19 contact tracers

Published Jul 15, 2021 12:59 pm

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has requested Malacañan for more budget that will be used in the hiring of more contact tracers as the country continues its fight against the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

In a news briefing, DILG Assistant Secretary Odilon Pasaraba said the government is trying its best to hire the ideal contact/individual ratio stressing that the current figure is one is to 10 which is based on the Department of Health (DOH) requirement.

But some individuals which include medical professionals insisted that the more appropriate contact tracer/individual ratio is one is to 37.

From 50,000 contact tracers, Pasaraba noted that budgetary constraints led to the reduction with their number down to 15,000 but on the upside the contact tracing efficiency is at 90 percent.

The DILG official emphasized that the contact tracers should be able to detect individuals with close contact to COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 persons within 24 hours.

Pasaraba maintained that the fight against the virus is a concerted effort between the government and the private sector with the call of government and call of nation approach strategy.

In coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Pasaraba said that the DILG expects the local government units (LGUs) to enforce their respective ordinances in the enforcement of the health and safety protocols.

Also under the said scheme, Pasaraba cited the need for the private sector to initiate steps that are aligned with the guidelines of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) where the establishments are required to enforce health and safety protocols as mandated by the national government.

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lack of contact tracers request for funds from Office of the President budget constraints DILG Assistant Secretary Odilon Pasaraba DILG
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