Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Hospitals and emergency response teams across Metro Manila will be placed under code white alert from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in preparation for a possible increase in patients requiring immediate medical attention during the Undas break.
The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) said the alert aims to strengthen the readiness of health facilities and healthcare workers as people travel and visit cemeteries to observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Under the code white alert, hospitals and medical personnel are expected to be ready to respond promptly to emergencies and other incidents that may arise during the observance, the agency said in a social media post.
The heightened readiness also covers the health emergency response teams of the 17 local government units in the National Capital Region, as well as hospitals across the region.
The DOH-MMCHD said its operations center would remain on standby to facilitate coordination and ensure the prompt reporting of incidents across the region.
The measures are meant to help health authorities respond quickly to medical emergencies as crowds gather in cemeteries and other public areas during the Undas period.
Safety precautions
Meanwhile, the agency reminded the public to take precautions to protect their health and safety while traveling and visiting cemeteries.
It advised the public to practice proper handwashing or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as well as cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of illness.
People were also urged to bring enough drinking water to avoid dehydration, particularly while spending extended periods outdoors.
Those taking maintenance medications were reminded to bring their medicines and take them on schedule, especially if they have existing medical conditions.
The DOH-MMCHD stressed that health and safety should remain a priority throughout the Undas observance.