Social distancing must be ensured in evacuation centers, LGUs reminded

Families who will have to stay in evacuation centers due to the threats of Typhoon Ambo should be protected from risks of COVID-19 transmission too, according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday.

In a statement, the lawmaker urged the local government units to ensure that evacuees will be able to practice social distancing and frequent handwashing in their temporary shelters.

"The very reason why we force people to evacuate their homes in times of calamities and natural disasters is to keep them out of harm’s way. We want them in a place where we know they are safe," Gatchalian said.

"Magiging walang silbi ang paglikas natin sa ating mga kababayan kung dadalhin natin sila sa isang lugar na sa bandang huli ay maaari ring magdulot ng pagkahawa ng COVID-19," he added.

Gatchalian also renewed his call for the creation of permanent evacuation centers in every city and municipality. He filed Senate Bill No. 747 last year supporting such a proposal. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News