ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 has disseminated the DOH Department Circular No. 2023-0324 about the updated health protocols following the lifting of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency in the country.
The decrease in COVID-related deaths, the decline in hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions, and high levels of population immunity put our country on “normal footing,” according to DOH-6 Local Health Support Division chief Dr. May Ann Soliva-Sta. Lucia
This is based on the report of the International Health Regulation Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization.
“Though COVID-19 remains to be a serious concern for certain sub-populations and requires continued public health response, the country has maintained sufficient health care system capacity,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jane Juanico-Esteva, chief of DOH-6 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, explained the updated protocols stipulated in the aforementioned circular.
Under the new protocol, the wearing of facemasks will no longer be mandatory, including in health facilities which will be dependent on their respective Infection Prevention and Control Committees. Wearing the same will also be no longer mandatory in public transportation.
However, she recommends wearing masks for the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, those who are not vaccinated, and symptomatic individuals.
Despite the lifting of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in the country, DOH still recommends vaccination against the disease to all eligible populations.
On the quarantine and isolation protocol, the DOH no longer requires quarantine for asymptomatic close contacts exposed to COVID-19 positive individuals but they are advised to wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days.
For asymptomatic but confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals and those with mild symptoms, they are advised to isolate for five days or until fever-free for at least 24 hours and wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days.
While for COVID-19 positive individuals with moderate to severe symptoms, isolation for 10 days is required from the onset of the symptoms, and wearing a well-fitted mask for 10 days. The protocol applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Also, with the new protocol, the reporting of COVID-19 case bulletins to the public will already be done weekly, this includes other notifiable diseases as well.
Citing the collective efforts of all those involved in the pandemic battle of the country, Sta. Lucia calls for continued unity to combat any potential health risks and future pandemics.
“We must remain vigilant and proactive in our approach to health and safety, continued awareness and adherence to recommended protocols which are paramount to safeguarding ourselves and our communities,” she stressed.
To note, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, through Proclamation No. 297, lifted the state of public health emergency in the country due to COVID-19 on July 21, 2023. (PIA)/PN
