The Department of Health (DOH) has raised its alert status to "Code White" for Christmas and New Year in an effort to proactively safeguard public safety and wellbeing during the holiday season.
The alert status, as announced on Friday, Dec. 29, covers the entire health sector, including hospitals, public and private health facilities, DOH central and regional offices, and other healthcare facilities.
It will be in effect until Jan. 4, 2024 to address any potential emergencies that may arise during the holiday season.
The Code Alert System, based on DOH Administrative Order No. 2008-0024, is a three-tiered system with “Code White,” “Code Blue,” and “Code Red,” representing increasing levels of alertness.
A Code White Alert may be declared for various reasons, including the possibility of a military operation, planned mass actions, forecasted typhoons (signal two and above), elections, and other events with potential emergencies.
The DOH emphasized that Christmas and New Year, being national events with the potential for mass casualty incidents, necessitate the declaration of a “Code White Alert.”
The higher alert levels, Code Blue and Code Red, would be implemented in more severe conditions, such as significant damage to health facilities, resource shortages, and a higher number of casualties.
The Health Department highlighted that hospitals are also expected to activate their Operations Centers (OPCEN) during a Code White Alert, maintaining continuous communication and coordination with regional and central DOH OPCENs.
Likewise, additional medical supplies, including those for trauma cases, will be readily available, and other necessities like X-ray plates and laboratory requirements will be provided without cost to the victims, the DOH said.
To ensure a swift and effective response, more funds and staff will be on standby for deployment, and logistics coordination will be intensified, as stated by the department.
The triage system will also be enhanced to accommodate the anticipated influx of patients.