Go pushes approval of quarantine bill
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has sought the passage of the bill he filed mandating the establishment of quarantine facilities in every region strategically located near public hospitals managed by the Department of Health.
Go, chairman of the Senate Health and Demography committee, said there was a need for the country to be more proactive in preparing for future pandemics as quarantine protocols and physical distancing measures were crucial in the fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), as well as other health emergencies.
Senate Bill 125Y, or the “Mandatory Quarantine Facilities Act of 2020,” would establish quarantine facilities in every region designed for patients who are suspected to be infected with viruses or other related infections.
“N gay on pa lang, ha bang nil ala ban an Covid- i-hand an arin nat inang b ans as a an um ang kris is na ma a a ring( As we fight the viral infection, we must now be ready to face any crisis that might occur in the future),” Go said.
He explained that it is crucial for every locality or region to have its own quarantine sites to accommodate individuals suspected of having an infectious disease.
The proposed quarantine facilities will be fully equipped to include the needs of individuals who are quarantined, including adequate food, clothing, means of communication and competent medical care, among others.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with local government units, will oversee the construction of quarantine facilities, formulation of building specifications based on standards, issuances and other guidelines, while the Health department will be primarily responsible for the operation, supervision and management of the quarantine facilities.
“Hang ga’ tw ala pong ba ku nang nadidiskubresa Covid- 1Y, our fight against it continues. Kayanaman k amp ante sap ag lab ans a virus na ito (Our fight continues while we await a vaccine to fight Covid-19. We should not be complacent in fighting the disease,” Go said.