THE City Government San Fernando is laying preventive measures to prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the community.
In a statement issued through the City Information Office, Mayor Edwin Santiago said the local government is working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) in preventing the spread of the viral disease.
Although not the “ground zero” for the disease, Santiago said the city is still getting ready and alert for any possible situation that may be brought by the 2019-nCoV.
“We are closely monitoring the updates of the DOH, which also serve as basis for alertness and readiness,” the mayor said.
In line with this, Santiago bared the CSFP-I strategy implemented by the City Health Office (CHO) and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to strengthen the city’s defense system against the 2019-nCoV.
The letter C stands for Capability Building for the barangay health workers who provide continuous service to maintain the health and wellness of Fernandinos.
Surveillance and treatment, or the letter S, is also being administered to Fernandinos to monitor possible early symptoms to provide immediate medication.
The city government is also allocating funds (F) through CDRRMO’s quick response fund in case an outbreak of the 2019-nCoV occurs to ensure that the needs of affected Fernandinos will be catered to.
The letter P, meanwhile, stands for partnership between the city government, the Jose B. Lingad Regional Memorial Hospital and the provincial government to intensify the process of neutralizing the disease.
Information dissemination, or the letter I, is also being cascaded to educate the public on the necessary precautionary measures they can practice to protect themselves against the virus, as well as update them on the DOH’s latest findings.
Santiago asked the public to be calm and cooperative on the reminders of the DOH to prevent the spread of the virus.
He also urged individuals who are experiencing respiratory symptoms, especially those who have travel history abroad, to coordinate with the CHO or other medical institutions for testing.
“Aside from alert and preparedness, our greatest armor against the spread of the 2019-nCoV is our prayers to God. We pray that He will protect our family, our city, the Philippines and the world against this disease,” Santiago said.