COVID-19 testing for displaced families due to typhoon a challenge, Lorenzana says

The appeal for the conduct of COVID-19 testing among families displaced by the previous typhoons could be a challenge, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana admitted Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of an event at the Philippine Navy, Lorenzana suggested the strict monitoring of displaced individuals who are manifesting COVID-19 symptoms.

"It will be a challenge kasi kung i-testing mo lahat 'yan, are we going to do it one by one? Siguro ang aking suggestion is to watch out for those with symptoms, nilalagnat, mga inuubo para di na lalala," Lorenzana said.

At present, Lorenzana said there is no report about COVID-19 outbreaks in evacuation centers.

"As of now, walang outbreak sa evacuation centers and we are very happy na walang outbreak pa diyan sa evacuation centers. Siguro walang nagdala doon, walang infected sa kanila na magkakalat ng virus. Hopefully, walang infection diyan," he said.

Earlier, the OCTA Research Team called on local government units to provide adequate and accessible testing, effective contact tracing and supportive isolation facilities to families in evacuation centers so that transmission of COVID-19 will be prevented.

"Given the reality that more typhoons are set to visit the country in the coming weeks, we suggest that LGUs seriously consider improving their current evacuation strategies and plans to prevent further viral transmissions during a disaster by ensuring that minimum health standards are followed in evacuation centers apart from the provision of adequate and accessible  testing, effective contact tracing and supportive isolation facilities to families stranded in these facilities," the experts said.

Typhoons Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses pounded several provinces, mostly in Luzon, making some families homeless and forcing them to stay in evacuation facilities.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said the transmission of COVID-19 in evacuation centers was a "very strong possibility."

He noted that minimum health standards should be strictly observed in evacuation centers to avoid the spread of the disease. — RSJ, GMA News