Health officials placed Central Visayas on a “Code Blue” alert Thursday as part of large-scale medical preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DoH-7) activated the alert on 30 April. It will remain in effect through 12 May to cover the duration of the international gathering.

DoH-7 regional director Joshua Brillantes said the alert is intended to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure the rapid mobilization of resources.