Makati Hotline 168 ready to respond to COVID-19 concerns

After a confirmed case visited the city, the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has made preparations, not only to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but also to address citizens’ concerns about the disease.

Makati residents can seek assistance from the local government for COVID-19 concerns through its 24/7 Hotline 168 or the Makatizen mobile application, according to a Monday 24 Oras report by Chino Gaston.

At the Makati City Command Center, COVID-19 symptoms were plastered on computers to guide responders in addressing residents’ calls about the disease.

An ambulance from the Makati Health Department was also on standby to respond to COVID-19 cases.

A hotel owned by the local government was also being readied for use as a quarantine facility in the event that COVID-19 cases in the city.

“As early as January, February, when this issue broke out, Mayor Abby [Binay] had already formed a task force for this coronavirus,” Makati City spokesperson Michael Arthur Camiña said.

Binay confirmed earlier in the day that a Taiwanese national confirmed to have COVID-19 visited the city. 

The Makati mayor had also asked establishments, including Philippine offshore gaming operators, to submit a list of their employees who recently traveled abroad. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News