Valenzuela establishes COVID-19 contact tracing center

Valenzuela has established a contact tracing center and has doubled the number of its contact tracers as part of the local government's efforts to contain its COVID-19 cases.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras,” almost all personnel in the center were doctors, nurses or have background in the medical field.

Residents calling the center's hotline may be immediately assessed if they are afflicted with COVID-19 or other disease.

“Kapag assessment ng doctor na ‘yung isang caller ay isang suspect at kailangan ng medical consult at kinakailangan examinin o i-assess, pinupuntahan ito ng COVID medical team,” City Health Officer Dr. Jaime Exconde Jr. said.

Through a computer program, authorities in the city are immediately able to conduct contact tracing efforts.

Since the opening of the center on Monday, August 17, the center has traced 1,600 individuals from the new COVID-19 cases in the city.

“Of the 1,600 around 400 something ang naka-schedule for swabbing,” Exconde said.

As data was computerized and all the cases were plotted on a map, authorities can easily find out if there is an outbreak in a certain area. This allows them to immediately implement a localized lockdown when necessary.

“Si COVID moves very fast so we have to be faster,” Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said.

At present, the city has 880 active cases with 2,670 recoveries and 115 fatalities.

“Alam naman natin na hindi lahat ng tao may oras pumunta sa health center so at least through this center, we can address their medical needs kahit nasa telepono lang and we can prescribe them what they should do,” Gatchalian said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News