Año reminds public: Do not block COVID-19 patients

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday said patients positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should not be blocked as there are proper protocols on how to handle their cases.

"Hindi pupuwede 'yung haharangan mo. Eh di lalong maraming nalagay sa panganib diyan dahil pinabayaan mo lang na nasa labas 'yung isang positive," Año told Dobol B sa News TV.

This came after residents of a certain barangay in Tondo, Manila reportedly prevented a tenant from returning to his home after testing positive for the disease. The patient was advised to self-quarantine at home because he was asymptomatic.

According to Año, there are proper ways on how to cater to the needs of a COVID-19 patients.

He further said residents should have called the Department of Health or the barangay health center to assist the patient.

"Ang polisiya natin diyan, kapag may nagpositive na diyan, meron na tayong desk ng barangay... Kung 'yung bahay niya naman ay okay at puwede siyang magquarantine, doon siya. Kung hindi naman, doon siya sa barangay isolation unit o kaya doon sa municipal isolation," he said.

Under the DOH Memorandum 2020-0108, "persons under investigation (PUIs) and positive COVID-19 patients who exhibit mild symptoms with no co-morbidities and non-elderly are advised to be sent home for strict self-isolation and close monitoring by local health authorities." — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News