NV doc: Brgys, MLGUs role on ECQ, crucial vs. COVID-19 spread

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 20 (PIA) – The role of barangays and Municipal Local Governments (MLGUs) on the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus 19 (COVID-19) is crucial in ensuring the safety of their communities.

Dr. Edwin Galapon, provincial health officer and Provincial COVID-19 Task Force head said the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) are directed to visit the Patients Under Monitoring (PUMs) and inform their relatives on the required health protocols.

“Our fellow Novo Vizcayanos who came from Metro Manila have been tagged as PUMs and any symptoms associated with the COVID-19 must be monitored and reported by the BHERTs in coordination with the barangay officials,” he said.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edwin Galapon(2nd from left)
\said Brgy Health Emergency Response Teams(BHERTs) have
been mobilized in the province to monitor villagers tagged as
Patients Under Monitoring(PUMs). He said BHERTs' role is crucial
in ensuring the prevention of COVID-19 spread in their communities.
# PIA Photo

Galapon cited the DILG Memorandum issued to their city and municipal local government operations officers which requires BHERTs to convince the PUMs to undergo 14-day quarantine at the Barangay Special Care Facility (BSCF) or isolation units.

“PUMs will be under the proper care of the BHERTs and the Municipal Health Office (MHO),” he added.

Galapon however cautioned BHERTs not to expose the identities of the PUMs because they are protected under the Data Privacy Act.

He said BHERTs in the province have been mobilized to perform their duties in coordination with their respective local officials.

Galapon also reminded PUMs on their non-compliance with the enforced current health protocols that they can be charged with non-cooperation under Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting on Notifiable Diseases.

The law carries a punishment of a P50,000.00 fine and imprisonment of not more than 5 months.

PUM refers to anyone who does not manifest signs or symptoms, has travel history in the past 14 days to areas with issued travel restrictions, with or without history of exposure or does not manifest signs or symptoms and  has no travel history in the past 14 days to areas with issued travel restrictions but with history of exposure.

Patients Under Investigation (PUI) refers to any person who has a travel history in the past 14 days to areas with issued travel restrictions, with fever and/or cough and other respiratory symptoms and has history of exposure to COVID-19 carriers. (MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036631