DOH reinforces Code White for Traslacion, sets up health stations

The Department of Health (DOH) announced that it will reinforce Code White in line with this year’s Feast of the Black Nazarene.

“We will deploy 200 emergency personnel in different stations,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa announced through the agency’s Facebook page on Tuesday evening.

“The Traslacion specifically has a very specific health risk, because a lot of people go there who are sick,” he added.

The DOH listed the locations where Health Emergency Response Team (HERT) stations will be deployed: Quirino Grandstand, National Museum (exit point), Cebuana Lhuillier near SM Manila, Suntrust near Ayala Bridge, Quinta Market parking area, Technological Institute of the Philippines corner Lingkod Bayan (Arlegui corner P. Casal), San Sebastian Church grounds, MLQU grounds, in front of BDO at C. Palanca corner P. Gomez, MCGI Quiapo, Quezon Boulevard, in front of 7-Eleven and Chowking, and in front of Philtrust Bank.

The following areas will have two health stations each: Rizal Park along Roxas Boulevard, the stretch of P. Casal, Villarica Pawnshop along Quezon Boulevard, and One Quiapo Hotel on Quezon Boulevard.

The DOH also advised devotees to watch out for symptoms during the Traslacion such as severe dehydration, dizziness, shortness of breath, heat exhaustion, chest tightness, and persistent vomiting.

Should attendees experience any of these symptoms, they are urged to proceed immediately to the nearest DOH Health Emergency Response Team station.

Before joining the procession, the DOH recommends wearing comfortable clothing, eating before heading to Quiapo or Quirino Grandstand, and following the instructions of security personnel. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals who are sick are strongly urged to stay at home.

Devotees are also advised to bring water, towels, fans, first aid kits, face masks, medicines, and alcohol or sanitizer for health protection.

Herbosa added that bringing identification cards may help authorities easily identify individuals in case of medical emergencies such as fainting.