Isabela has no funds for COVID-19 testing in evacuation centers —governor

The provincial government of Isabela has no funds to be used for the proposed COVID-19 testing of typhoon victims staying in evacuation centers, Governor Rodolfo Albano III said Tuesday.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Albano said they are realigning the funds of the local government for the upgrade of rescue equipment and establishment of evacuation centers.

"Wala kaming pera para sa ganun na mag-aano kami ng massive testing sa mga evacuation centers. Karamihan ng evacuationc centers namin nalubog din dahil nga sa laki ng ilog," Albano said.

"Ina-assess pa namin ito at niri-redirect namin 'yung mga resources namin towards upgrading ng mga rescue facilities at evacuaton centers sa Isabela," he added.

In its latest report, the OCTA Research Team urges authorities to provide testing, contact tracing, and isolation facilities to families who fled to evacuation centers due to the recent typhoons.

The experts also urges local government units to improve strategies and conditions at evacuation centers to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

For Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the appeal for the conduct of COVID-19 testing among families displaced by the previous typhoons could be a challenge, implying that the task can be laborious.

He suggested only strict monitoring of displaced individuals who are manifesting COVID-19 symptoms. He noted that there is no report about COVID-19 outbreaks in evacuation centers yet.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has earlier warned of a "very strong possibility” of COVID-19 transmission in evacuation centers.

Aside from COVID-19, Albano said the Isabela government is also watching out for other possible diseases that are common after flooding incidents.

“On the road to recovery na kami, pero may post-flood scenario tayo. Baka pumasok 'yung mga dengue. Alam mo na kailangan maglinis. Kailangan palakasin 'yung resistensiya ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

“Pagbibigay ng vitamins, mga itlog, mga kung ano-ano pa para at least hindi sila tamaan ng COVID, pneumonia. Siyempre ang daming sakit na lumalabas e. 'Yan muna ang iisipin namin ngayon,” he added. --KBK, GMA News