DOH: COVID-19 patients must remain in isolation to avoid spread of infections on Eleksyon 2022

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday advised individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 to remain in isolation while recovering to prevent spread of infections on May 2022 polls.

“The DOH does not and will not stop any Filipino from exercising their constitutional right to vote for our country's leaders this coming election,” the Health department said in a statement.

“However, individuals who are positive with COVID-19 should strongly refrain from going outside and remain in isolation while recovering, as required in DOH Department Memorandum 2022-0013 or the updated guidelines of isolation and quarantine for COVID-19 response and case management,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner George Garcia said COVID-19 patients will be allowed to vote in an isolation polling place, an area dedicated for voters with symptoms in the coming May 9 elections.

Even for those voters with COVID-19 who are just isolating at their home, Garcia said the Comelec has no policy that prohibits them from casting their vote.

The DOH, however, said that the law is “clear and provides for measures to quickly stop the spread of any infectious disease.”

“Republic Act No. 11332 vests upon the DOH and its local counterparts authority to enforce rapid containment, quarantine and isolation, and disease prevention and control measures,” the department said.

“The same statute prohibits and penalizes non-cooperation of those affected by a health event of public concern, of which the current pandemic is an example,” it added.

Garcia, meanwhile, said voters with symptoms or COVID-19 should wear face masks and face shields, and be cautious in interacting with people on election day to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Comelec also assured the public that the upcoming May 9 elections will push through despite threats of COVID-19 surge, adding that contingency measures are already in place.

The DOH earlier warned that the country may experience another surge in COVID-19 infections by mid-May, with Metro Manila possibly recording as many as almost half a million active cases if the minimum public health standards are ignored.—AOL, GMA News