DAVAO ORIENTAL— The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental is set to form an inter-agency task force on the novel coronavirus amidst the health crisis that has recently rung an international alarm.
Through an executive order to be issued by the Governor, a technical working group, which will be composed of various concerned agencies, will be formed as soon as possible to ensure the implementation of proper measures in relation to the novel coronavirus outbreak, said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Herminigilda Nartates.
The creation of the task force is also in response to the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government advising all local government units to form a task force “to implement Department of Health protocols and guidelines and extend full cooperation to the DOH and other government agencies to meet the world health emergency.”
Upon the crafting of the executive order this week, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang is set to call a meeting of all concerned agencies to discuss preparedness and proactive measures to stop the spread of the disease.
“Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our constituents. We will do everything we can to minimize the risk of spreading the virus,” said Governor Dayanghirang.
Furthermore, Governor Dayanghirang called on his Davao Oriental constituents to be calm but also vigilant. He appealed to the public not to panic as he urged them to get information only from credible sources. He emphasized that false information will only cause unnecessary panic.
The Provincial Government is now campaigning for heightened education and awareness especially in the communities. For now, the PHO calls on the public to take precautionary measures which include proper hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers, avoid close contact with sick people, and covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
Furthermore, the Provincial Government is calling on everyone’s help and cooperation to prevent this virus from causing devastating impact to the public.
The novel coronavirus outbreak was declared on Friday by the World Health Organization as a global health emergency. PIO
