DOH to provide COVID-19 care kits to vulnerable individuals under home quarantine

The Department of Health (DOH) will soon provide COVID-19 home care kits to the most vulnerable families and individuals who are undergoing home isolation.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH “Kalinga” kits are composed of the following items:

• 1 banig of paracetamol
• 1 banig of Vitamin C
• 1 banig of Carbocisteine
• 2 packs of facemasks (20 pcs total)
• 2 bars of soap
• 1 alcogel
• 1 disinfection spray
• 1 tips sheet

Vergeire said the DOH is drafting the advisory and guidelines for the distribution of the home care kits.

“Ang criteria natin sa pagbibigay ibibigay po doon sa ating vulnerable population na nag a-isolate or nag quarantine,” she said.

(The criteria for distribution is for the vulnerable population undergoing isolation or quarantine.)

“Tayo po ay continuously ia-upgrade ‘yang Kalinga kits na ‘yan as more of our donors and private sector partners will come in and collaborate with us,” she added.

(We will continuously upgrade the Kalinga kits as more of our donors and private sector partners come in and collaborate with us.)

She said the Kalinga kits were made possible through partnerships with the World Health Organization, P&G, and Unilab.

Guidelines

According to Vergeire, mild cases, asymptomatic individuals, or those exposed to COVID-19 positive cases may only undergo home isolation if they have a separate room and a separate bathroom inside the room.

There must also be no senior citizens, minors, and persons with comorbidities living in the same household.

Vergeire advised individuals with fever to check their temperature every 4 hours.

“Kung ang temperatura ay lalampas sa 37.5°C, uminom po kayo ng Paracetamol kada apat na oras. Kung kaya ng inyong katawan, mas maigi po na naliligo tayo araw-araw,” she said.

(If the temperature will exceed 37.5°C, drink Paracetamol every four hours. If you can, it is better to take a shower every day.)

“Siguraduhin din pong maayos ang daloy ng hangin sa inyong kwarto, iwasan na magsoot ng makapal na damit at iwasan din magkumot ng makapal. Uminom po kayo ng maraming tubig, fresh fruit juices, o mild tea,” she added.

(Make sure that ventilation is good in your room, refrain from wearing thick clothing and using thick blankets. Drink water, fresh fruit juices, or mild tea.)

Meanwhile, individuals with cough or sore throat were advised to drink the prescribed medicine and to avoid dust, perfume, and fur.

“Kung kaya, uminom ng salabat o tsaa para mabawasan ang panganati ng lalamunan. At panghuli, mag mumog po ng maligamgam na tubig na may paonting asin,” she said.

(If you can drink tea to reduce the itchiness of the throat. Lastly, gurgle lukewarm water that has a little bit of salt.)

Those with severe or critical symptoms must immediately get admitted to hospital. — DVM, GMA News