1st batch of LSIs in Siquijor undergo rapid diagnostic test
SIQUIJOR, May 27 (PIA) — Medical frontliners from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and provincial office of the Department of Health (DOH) Human Resources for Health (HRH) started conducting on May 26 the physical examination and mandatory Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) to the first batch of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) composed of discharged patients and their respective watchers.
At least 45 patients and watchers arrived on May 26 and three others on May 27 as the first batch of LSIs following the provincial government’s issuance of Executive Order No. 024-A that allows the gradual entry of LSIs and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in batches.
Eleven of the LSIs are now at the provincial quarantine facility while the others were placed at each town’s respective common quarantine facility, said Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Blezela Mae Omictin.
A ree-ntry plan was made in preparation for the arrival of the stranded Siquijodnons which includes setting up of quarantine/isolation areas both in the province and municipalities, purchase of rapid test kits, sanitizers, and personal protective equipments (PPE), among others.
Gov. Zaldy Villa said protocols and guidelines have been put in place to monitor the arrival and exit of these individuals.
This was tested through a simulation activity headed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction ang Managament Office on May 23.
DTI and the Siquijor State College (SSC) Fablab also turned over on May 22 three testing booths, one swabbing booth, two aerosol boxes, and six PPEs to the province of Siquijor now placed at the new provincial hospital as the identified quarantine area.
Meanwhile, Siquijor province, which is now under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status, is trying to revive its economy starting with allowing tourist establishments to open for locals.
With zero case and strict measures in place to ensure the province remains COVID-free, “we have allowed various resorts to open but these are for locals only,” said Vice Gov. Mei Ling Quezon Brown during the daily Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by Sec. Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) .
She said the provincial government is encouraging resorts and other tourism-related establishments to offer promotions and give discounts to Siquijodnons as part of the economic recovery plan to help residents get back on their feet despite the COVID-19 pandemic. (RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1042995