Adjusted evacuation protocols during disasters being finalized –NDRRMC

Adjusted protocols for the evacuation of families during natural disasters are being finalized, incorporating health and protection standards amid the COVID-19 threat, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Saturday.

“Kasalukuyan po finalizing na po tayo sa adjusted protocols natin,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

“More or less bago dumating ang panahon ng tag-ulan [sa Hunyo] ay naka-roll out na po ‘yan sa mga LGU (local government units),” Timbal added.

Adjusted protocols include minimum health standards as these were done during the evacuation of families affected by Typhoon Ambo.

“Basically ang pinaka punto ng protocols is i-incorporate ang protection measures laban sa COVID-19,” Timbal pointed out.

“Bago sunduin ang evacuees dapat na-identify na sino ang mga vulnerable like women, children, PWDs, people with special needs, tsaka mga senior, which is also part of our system."

Timbal said that people who are sick will be separated from the rest of the evacuees. They can be in an isolation room or will be transported directly to a hospital for proper care.

“Dapat ang pagbibiyahe may social distancing. It can be arranged by schedule,” he added.

Disinfection of facilities such as classrooms used as evacuation centers will be conducted after the calamity so classes can resume safely.

To prevent the concentration of many families inside evacuation centers, the NDRRMC will also encourage those with sturdy houses to shelter some people in their homes temporarily for the duration of the calamity. —Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News