BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health advises voters to practice minimum public health standards when they go out to vote during the May 12 national and local elections.
DOH-Cordillera Senior Health Program Officer Jethro Simeon iterated that minimum public health standards include physical distancing, wearing of mask in crowded and unventilated places, observance of hand hygiene and practice of proper coughing/sneezing etiquette.
For those feeling sick but still want to exercise their right to vote, wear mask and practice other preventive measures to protect the other voters.
With the fast- changing weather from humid morning to sudden rain showers or thunderstorms midday or in the afternoon, the DOH also remind the public to be wary of flu- like illnesses.
From January 1 to May 5 this year, DOH-CAR recorded 5,161 cases of Influenza- like illnesses in the region.
Simeon assured DOH-CAR’s readiness to support the Commission on Elections and local government units this election through the community-deployed Human Resource for Health augmentation on health stations and monitoring of polling centers.
The regional Emergency Operations Center and regional patient navigation and referral unit will be on 24/7 operations.
Meanwhile, for those travelling to their polling areas, Simeon also reminded the Department of Transportation’s checklist DR BLOWBAGSY, that stands for Drivers Record and Registration, Brake, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gas, Steering and Yourself (drivers condition – physically and mentally).
“If we travel, check the weather forecast in your place of travel, know the environmental hazard – example kung mataas ang incident ng mosquito borne illnesses you can bring mosquito repellant; review local policies and be familiarized with the emergency protocols and emergency contact numbers,” Simeon added. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
