Govt hospitals on white alert during Holy Week
THE Department of Health (DoH) has activated the “Code White” alert covering all government hospitals in the country for the Holy Week.
In a statement on Saturday, the DoH said the white alert status will be from March 24 until March 31, 2024, in preparation for the influx of people to provinces, tourist spots and places of worship.
The Code White alert is declared during national events, holidays or celebrations where health emergencies are highly possible.
Under Code White alert status, identified medical personnel and hospital staff are placed on standby for any health emergency.
Through its Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB), the DoH continues to conduct active monitoring, and all Centers for Health Development (CHDs) in the regions are coordinating with their respective Regional or Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, especially in tourist attractions and religious areas.
The DoH has strongly urged the public to stay safe and healthy while observing Holy Week 2024 practices.
It also reminds the public to drink plenty of clean water to prevent dehydration; avoid prolonged exposure to heat to minimize the effect of high temperatures such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke; be aware of emerging diseases this dry season, including sore eyes, prickly heat (bungang araw) rash, cough and colds, skin diseases, and vector-borne diseases like dengue; and always supervise children when engaging in swimming or other water activities.
“The DoH family joins all Filipino families in the solemn and healthy observance of Holy Week 2024. Following the instructions of President Marcos [Jr.], hospitals are now on Code White Alert, always ready to care for patients in the event of any medical crisis. Let us pray and hope for continued safety and health for the country, dahil Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
For urgent reports, the DoH HEMB-OpCen can be reached via mobile phone numbers 09178059756 or 0917-8619528, phone number (02) 8651-7800 local 2206/2207, or email hembopcen@doh.gov.ph.