CHO seeks public cooperation amid COVID-19 crisis
Acting City Health Officer Dr. Edito Vego reiterated calls for public to cooperate through immediate health consultation at the City Health Office (CHO) or in nearby barangay health stations if symptomatic or exposed in areas with positive cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19).
As of March 17, South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (SC-IPHO) reported that there have been zero confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Koronadal. However, 273 individuals considered as Person under Monitoring (PUM). 246 of these persons are undergoing a home quarantine, 27 others have completed their 14-day quarantine, and 1 Person under Investigation (PUI).
Dr. Vego stressed out that PUIs are symptomatic patients with a history of known exposure to places and people positive from the disease. He emphasized that only PUIs who have severe condition are sent for testing and subjected to hospital admission.
PUMs, on the other hand, are asymptomatic individuals with travel history. Those who have mild cases with no co-morbids (other medical conditions) will not require testing but with instructions to undergo 14-day isolation.
The acting health officer also admitted they lack health care facilities and is experiencing shortages of supplies and resources including testing kits, alcohol, face masks, etc.
Moreover, the office is now looking for suppliers to speed up the procurement process and closely working with City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRM) for the allocation of the 12million release of the quick response fund.
Dr. Vego said that the public could help by being vigilant and cooperative with the government. Also, their office is open for any reports of all suspected and confirmed Covid-19 patients.
The live stream conference slated on March 16 together with City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena and City Administrator Atty. Rene B. Jumilla.