THE Iloilo City Council has approved a resolution that urges all government and private schools, as well as other educational institutions to conduct a five-minute homeroom period for proper handwashing and other preventive measures against viral infectious diseases from daycare to senior high level.
Resolution 2020-088 was approved due to the increasing number of people infected with the novel coronavirus (2010-nCoV) in China and other countries in the world, including the Philippines.
It is also based on the World Health Organization's recommendation of the following measures to prevent the spread of 2019-nCov:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Wear face masks in crowded places.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
5. Clean and disinfect after touching an object or surface.
The resolution stated that there is a need to educate Ilonggo students about measures to prevent further transmission of the new virus within the community, for the protection and general welfare of Iloilo City.
The resolution was unanimously approved by Councilors Candice Magdalane A. Tupas, Lyndon V. Acap, Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda, Romel D. Duron, Leila G. Luntao and Jose Efrain G. Treñas III.
Also present during the session Monday were Vice Mayor Jeffrey P. Ganzon and Councilors Ely A. Estante Jr., Rudolph Jeffrey O. Ganzon, Carlos C. Javellana, Maria Irene D. Ong, Eduardo L. Peñaredondo and Alan A. Zaldivar.
A copy of the resolution will be forwarded to the City Mayor's Office, Department of Education (DepEd)-Western Visayas, DepEd-Division of Iloilo City, Department of Health Center for Health Development, City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the City Information Office. (SunStar Philippines)