MANILA, Philippines — Individuals staying at evacuation centers due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses were urged to be cautious and strictly follow minimum health standards against COVID-19 as the Department of Health (DOH) warned that coronavirus transmission in temporary shelters is a “strong possibility.”
According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, safety officers assigned to monitor the situation in evacuation centers should rigorously implement the health measures such as the wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing.
He added that they are also on the lookout for the emergence of other diseases such as leptospirosis, acute gastroenteritis, and diarrhea.
“Marami po tayong sakit na minomonitor. So pag-iingat po ang kinakailangang mangyari ,” Duque said in a televised press briefing Friday.
Typhoon Ulysses pummelled Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, forcing thousands of families to flee their houses as strong winds and rains brought massive flooding.