CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD)-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) placed hospitals and health facilities in the region on “code white alert” on Friday, October 20, from October 28 to November 5 for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections and All Saints’ Day.

THE DOH-Calabarzon is on 'code white alert' for the barangay elections and All Saints' Day.
“This is in anticipation of eventualities because of the pooling of people in designated precincts and cemeteries and even those who travel because for vacation,” said DOH-Calabarzon Director Ariel I. Valencia. “Code white alert refers to the readiness of medical personnel in hospitals and health offices to provide necessary health services,” added Valencia.
The DOH assured the public that all Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Health (DRRM-H) in local government units (LGUs) and hospitals are on standby and will activate and maintain the functions of the Operation Center/One Hospital Command (OPCEN/OHCC) round-the-clock from October 28 to November 5.
The DOH added that health emergency response teams and commodities are ready and available for deployment.
Meanwhile, the DOH reminded the public to observe essential health and hygiene practices everywhere and at all times.
These are proper hand washing with soap and clean water, cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene, and using personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, if necessary.
It reminded the public against food-borne diseases or food poisoning caused by infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and non-infectious agents (chemicals, animal, and plant toxins).
“We have to be wary of the food we eat, lalo na ‘yung mga pagkain na mabilis mapanis (particularly food that are easily spoiled), and if we are uncertain when and how the food was prepared. If food poisoning is suspected, visit the nearest hospital,” Valencia said.