Palace tells LGUs not to use as evacuation centers COVID-19 isolation facilities amid typhoon

October 26, 2020

Malacanang reminded on Monday local government units to ensure that evacuation centers for families affected by weather disturbances are different from the isolation centers for coronavirus disease cases.

This as Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has enough food packs and standby funds amounting to more than P890 million to be extended to those affected by Typhoon ''Quinta''.

He said quick response teams of various field offices, in coordination with the provincial and municipal disaster reduction management offices, have been activated.

"The guidelines issued by NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) includes the need for preemptive evacuation, the need to wear mask, shields, and physical distancing for the people inside the evacuation center; the need not to bring the evacuees in the facilities being used as quarantine sites," he said in a virtual press briefing.

He said LGUs should have a pre-identified and prepared evacuation center and those who have COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, should be isolated from the rest of the population.

Roque said the LGUs should make sure that COVID-19 mitigation measures are being observed, especially during distribution of relief goods.

"Mass gatherings are not allowed and the LGUs have been advised to place designated areas for appropriate safety markings," he said. Celerina Monte/DMS