I BELIEVE that this is the time when the contingency plans of health professionals should be undergoing its testing because the Covid-19 is not in the locality yet. If not, at least, updated and reviewed to each concerned member of the clusters involved before the worst case happens.
Contingency plans are the alternates when something, not usual, happens. Covid-19 is among these threats that need contingency planning because it does not happen, and it did not happen on any ordinary day, even before. The threats which were once experienced should have been prepared for through regular plans. But this Covid-19 just came at the end of 2019, and not everyone has information about it.
One of the benefits of having a contingency plan is its purpose to guide whoever is in-charge in the future. That is because contingency plans are supposed to be made during peacetime where the minds are clear and not pressured by deadlines. A good contingency plan is made and formulated when there is no threat yet. Its content is very important as it has the ideal arrangements with other agencies who can help. It also includes necessary procedures (of engagement) and its logistical requirements.
Imagine yourself as a worker in the health sector. Suddenly, there is a confirmed Covid-19 case in your community. Do you know what to do? Where will you bring the patient? Whom are you going to call to help you?
A contingency plan would have given you information for the mentioned scenario, quickly, if there is one. Inside it are pieces of information on what to do right after being informed of a positive case. It has a time frame too, from things to do in day zero to whatever date is required. Each agency functions are readily defined, including who is supposed to lead the incident management team and even the emergency operations center.
Aside from what to do and sources of help, which the contingency plan can indicate, is the available list of resources, including tools, facilities, and equipment. Covid-19 requires a lot of resources such as dedicated transport vehicles, ambulances, and quarantine areas. These can be identified easily if a contingency plan is in place because they are supposed to be pre-arranged with providers before the contingency plan is adopted.
Crafting a contingency plan, though, cannot be done in an hour. It should involve all leaders of each department (in an LGU) or agencies (at the regional level) that meets and talk together for at least three days. Be informed that brainstorming for planned actions is never easy with many departments. There’s a lot of concerns there that need to be resolved. However, I would still do it on a regular day than when the threat is already there because a misunderstanding, confusion, and waste of time may occur when the threat is already there.
And when the plan is already formulated, the Sangguniang Bayan should adopt it to ensure its legality. The adoption makes it a legal document and may support purchases required such as special tools and equipment for the threat that the LGU may not own yet.
Again, the contents of the contingency plan are not those that are seen in a regular plan used every day. If you want to test your plan, (or formulate one), the office of civil defense or your local disaster and risk reduction management officers in your respective local government unit are more than willing to help you.