• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
After the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, the Department of Health Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) released an announcement on November 7, placing the whole region under code blue.
Under code blue alert, the entire DOH, including regional offices and health facilities, shall enter a heightened alert status and deploy additional health personnel in affected areas.
The department also issued directives to ensure immediate readiness including the deployment of Health Response Teams (HERTS) to evacuation sites, mobilization of personnel, and the activation of 24/7 command centers.
The advanced implementation of leptospirosis prevention and response measures were also directed to ensure the safety of the public after severe flooding across the region.
The agency will also distribute medicine and supplies nationwide and activate Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) for better coordination.
A total of 94,741 families or 346,458 persons were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Tino in the region. Of which, 21,561 families or 79,396 persons were accommodated in 606 evacuation centers, while 21,199 families or 97,225 persons found shelter elsewhere, the Office of the Civil Defense Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) reported.*
