DOH Code White Alert for Undas
Informal settlers earn additional income during the observance of Undas by cleaning and repainting tombs and grave markers at the Manila North Cemetery.
Photograph by Toto Lozano for DAILY TRIBUNE
Daily TribuneInformal settlers earn additional income during the observance of Undas by cleaning and repainting tombs and grave markers at the Manila North Cemetery.
Photograph by Toto Lozano for DAILY TRIBUNE
The Department of Health (DOH) has raised Code White Alert in preparation for the expected influx of people visiting cemeteries and provinces during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
A Code White Alert means that all public hospitals and health facilities are ready to respond to potential health emergencies during events such as holidays or natural disasters.
On Friday, 31 October, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa personally inspected the emergency tents set up along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Herbosa assured that doctors and emergency responders are deployed along SLEX to assist Undas travelers.
He added that emergency responders are ready to provide medicines, first aid, minor surgical procedures, consultations, and diagnostic services such as glucose testing and blood pressure monitoring.
Two ambulances are also on standby for the immediate transfer of patients who need to be brought to hospitals, according to Herbosa.
"We're on what you call 'alert status' because every year, this is when Filipinos travel back home to their families and loved ones to visit their relatives in cemeteries," Herbosa said.
"As your Health secretary, I remind you not to forget your anti-hypertensive medicines, anti-diabetic medicines, as you travel. Also, don't forget to eat," he added.
Herbosa also told the public to expect heavy traffic jams as "almost all Filipinos are rushing to go home to the province."
"Don't rush. Give way and learn about road courtesy. We will all get home," he added.
The Health official also advised those experiencing influenza-like illnesses to just stay at home.
"Cough etiquette, cough inside your elbow, or better yet, cover your mouth with a tissue and throw it after use. Don't forget to also wash your hands frequently," he said.
He also assured that there are medical teams on standby in cemeteries, "We will put our first aid closer to you."
At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, authorities expect about 1.35 million passengers for the period from 27 October to 5 November, or 135,000 a day.
Meanwhile, at seaports, some 2.2 million travelers are expected for the Undas period, higher than last year's 1.9 million.
At the Manila North Cemetery, one of the Philippines' oldest and largest cemeteries, two million visitors are expected to visit during the Undas break.