#bida plus+ solusyon

[angelyasminesblog]

Today, as we live through this COVID-19 Pandemic, our country, Philippines, is treating this big crisis really seriously. So, as a fellow countrymen, we tend to obey and cooperate on what rules and protocols our Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) established when in terms to our safety. But;

"Do everyone of us follow or remember those protocols?"

The DOH astablished this program called "BIDA Plus+ Solusyon sa COVID-19" with Alden Richards as their Ambassador. BIDA Plus+ stands for:

B – Bawal ang walang mask at face shield.

I – Isanitize ang mga kamay at iwasan ang kulob na lugar.

D – Dumistansya ng isang metro at limitahan ang pisikal na interaksyon sa iba.

A – Alamin ang totoong impormasyon.

Plus+ – Suportahan ang FDA approved na bakuna.

If we follow these protocols, we can be certain that our health is very secure. Base on the interview of Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases expert,"The things we're asking people to do are not easy. They are definitely disruptive, they're definitely challenging, but they do have evidence to show that they work when implemented broadly, widely and followed by everyone."  

Sources:

https://doh.gov.ph/COVID-19/IATF-Resolutions

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DOH-Bicol sees slight rise in Covid-19 cases

#PHnews: DOH-Bicol sees slight rise in Covid-19 cases

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Health regional office in Bicol has reiterated the importance of observing the minimum public health standards after noting a slight increase in the trend of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the region.

A 14 percent rise in cases was observed based on DOH-Bicol comparative analysis of Covid-19 cases between morbidity week 10 (March 7 to 13) and morbidity week 11 (March 14 to 20) by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU).

“Morbidity Week 10 recorded 103 cases while Morbidity Week 11 recorded 117 cases. Nag-increase ng 14 cases (It rose by 14 cases). Fourteen over 103 is 14 percent,” Noemi Bron, DOH public affairs chief, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.

“With the upcoming observance of Holy Week, there is a possibility of a continuous increase in Covid-19 cases in the region,” DOH-Bicol advisory warned.

“Local Government Units are enjoined to strengthen the profiling and screening of incoming travelers for signs and symptoms of Covid-19, and recommending appropriate quarantine/isolation measures based on existing guidelines for the prevention and management of Covid-19 in the region,” the health advisory added.

DOH-Bicol also urged the public to strictly practice the minimum public health standards, or the BIDA+ Solusyon against Covid-19 -- Bawal walang face mask at face shield (Non-wearing of face mask and face shield is prohibited) ; I-sanitize ang mga kamay at iwasan ang kulob na lugar (Wash your hands and avoid poor ventilated areas); Dumistansya ng isang metro at limitahan ang pisikal na interaksyon sa iba (Keep a one-meter distance and limit physical interaction); and Alamin ang tamang impormasyon, plus suportahan ang FDA-approved na bakuna (Learn the right information plus support FDA-approved vaccines). As of March 23, the Bicol Region has recorded 5,179 cumulative cases of Covid-19, with 4,538 recoveries; 227 deaths, and 414 active cases.

“To prevent the numbers from further increasing, DOH-Bicol urges the public to cooperate and follow the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from Covid-19,” Bron added. (PNA)

  ***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "DOH-Bicol sees slight rise in Covid-19 cases." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134678 (accessed March 24, 2021 at 10:51PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "DOH-Bicol sees slight rise in Covid-19 cases." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134678 (archived).

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Region 10 receives over 17K Sinovac vaccines

#PHnews: Region 10 receives over 17K Sinovac vaccines

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Health in Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) received Thursday at least 17,400 vials of Sinovac vaccines. Dr. Ellenietta N. Gamolo, DOH-10 officer-in-charge director, said the vaccines were immediately brought to the DOH-10 warehouse for accounting, checking, and cold chain management from the Laguindingan Airport shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday. “We will be following the prioritization framework, to start with Covid-19 dedicated hospitals such as Level 3 public hospitals particularly NMMC (state-run Northern Mindanao Medical Center), then Level 3 private hospitals, then Level 2 government hospitals, and level 2 private hospitals,” Gamolo said. The Sinovac vaccine has been granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is considered safe and effective, she pointed out. “We urge everyone who is part of the priority group for this vaccination to get vaccinated. For those who are not yet a priority for the vaccine, please continue practicing the BIDA Plus Solusyon,” Gamolo said. Meanwhile, NMMC health workers and staff would be the first to be inoculated on Friday. Dr. Bernard Julius Rocha, NMMC's liaison officer, said that out of the hospital's 1,700 medical workers, at least 1,300 have agreed to be vaccinated, based on a recent internal survey. Rocha said medical front-liners manning patient care centers would also be given priority. The plan was to get at least 80 percent inside NMMC's workforce to receive the vaccine, he added Gamolo said the persons expected to receive the first doses are based on the prioritization group set by the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), and first on the prioritization list are the Level 3 DOH hospitals, such as the NMMC. The DOH-10 official also assured that the Sinovac vaccines are "safe and effective to use." "We urge everyone who is part of the priority group for this vaccination to please get yourself vaccinated with whatever brand that is available for us because our Philippine government would not be giving us a vaccine that is not safe and not effective at all,” Gamolo said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Region 10 receives over 17K Sinovac vaccines." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132584 (accessed March 05, 2021 at 03:35AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Region 10 receives over 17K Sinovac vaccines." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132584 (archived).

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DOH–CAR:Remain vigilant while waiting for turn in COVID vaccination

#PHinfo: DOH–CAR:Remain vigilant while waiting for turn in COVID vaccination

DOH - CAR Assistant Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, in a PIA Cordillera led press conference to provide updates on the regional vaccination and deployment program and COVID - 19 situationer in Cordillera. (CCD/PIA CAR)

BAGUIO CITY, March 10 (PIA) - - The Department of Health Center for Health and Development- Cordillera (DOH – CAR) reported  smooth rollout of COVID – 19 vaccination in the region, and with more vaccines coming in, advises the public to remain vigilant and continue to strictly adhere to the minimum health standards  as they wait for their turn in the vaccination.

DOH – CAR Assistant Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan in a special Kapihan media forum here, said that 15,600 doses of Sinovac vaccine and 10,000 doses of Astra Zeneca vaccines have been delivered to the region for the two – dose requirements for 12,800 eligible population.

These vaccines are being provided to health workers of private and public hospitals and infirmaries that are listed in the Priority Group A as number one priority. Next on the vaccination rollout will be health workers on COVID – 19 Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs), then primary health care providers or those in the District Health Centers, Barangay Health Stations and health centers.

Pangilinan reported that as of the March 9 data of the Regional Vaccination Operation Center, there are already 3,749 eligible population (health workers in hospitals/infirmaries, both public and private) in the region that are vaccinated with Sinovac vaccine.   258 of the vacinees are in Abra; 1,499 in Baguio City; 537 in Benguet; 340 in Ifugao; 196 in Kalinga, and 919 in Mountain Province. Apayao just started its vaccination program.

For the AstraZeneca vaccine, Pangilinan disclosed that 600 doses were already delivered to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and 70 eligible population were   inoculated on March 9.

For the other distribution of AstraZenica vaccine, DOH – CAR is still waiting for the master list from provincial/city health offices on the numbers of health workers that are not eligible for the Sinovac, including the deferrals and refusals, she added. 

With the COVID – 19 vaccines already here, DOH encourages everyone to submit themselves for registration and vaccination and for each population group or sector to wait for their turn to be vaccinated/

The Health Department also continues to remind the public to remain vigilant and to continue strictly adhering to the minimum health standards and safety protocols to protect themselves and their families from the virus.

“The COVID – 19 vaccines are here and these Food and Drug Administration- approved vaccines are free, safe and effective. We also advise the public that as we wait for our turn, we must not be complacent”, Pangilinan said.

“Never forget the BIDA Solusyon Plus sa COVID – 19, Bawal ang walang face mask at face shield, I- sanitize ang kamay at iwasan ang kulob na lugar, Dumistansya ng isang metro at limitahan ang pisikal na iteraksyon sa iba, Alamin ang tama at totoong impormasyon and Plus (=) suportahan ang FDA – approved na bakuna”,  she added. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

  ***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "DOH–CAR:Remain vigilant while waiting for turn in COVID vaccination." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069201 (accessed March 10, 2021 at 11:22PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "DOH–CAR:Remain vigilant while waiting for turn in COVID vaccination." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069201 (archived).

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First batch of COVID-19 vaccines for NorMin arrive in CDO

#PHinfo: First batch of COVID-19 vaccines for NorMin arrive in CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 4 (PIA)--The first batch of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 vaccines arrived here today, March 4, for Northern Mindanao.

A total of 17, 400 vials of Sinovac vaccines, which are part of the 600,000 vaccines donated by China, are now ready to inoculate the priotiyy groups in the region like the medical frontliners. 

Upon arrival the vaccines were then brought to Department of Health (DOH)-10 warehouse for proper accounting, checking and cold chain management.

Meanwhile, the first inoculation is expected to be done tomorrow, March 5, for the healthcare workers of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) here.

“We have already received Sinovac vaccines for region 10 with a total of 17,400 vials. We will be following the prioritization framework, to start with COVID-19 dedicated hospitals such as Level 3 public hospitals particularly NMMC, then Level 3 private hospitals, then Level 2 government hospitals, and level 2 private hospitals,” said Dr. Ellenietta N. Gamolo, DOH-10 officer-in-charge.

NMMC has about 1,820 personnel who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and the DOH is giving 100% allocation for the said health workers. 

The Sinovac vaccine has been Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and considered safe and effective, Gamolo explained. 

“We urge everyone of the priority group for this vaccination to get vaccinated. For those who are not yet priority for the vaccine to continue practicing the BIDA plus solusyon,” Gamolo said. (JMOR/PIA10)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "First batch of COVID-19 vaccines for NorMin arrive in CDO." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1068503 (accessed March 04, 2021 at 09:30AM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "First batch of COVID-19 vaccines for NorMin arrive in CDO." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1068503 (archived).

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Health protocols expanded to vaccination drive

#PHinfo: Health protocols expanded to vaccination drive

DAVAO DEL NORTE, Feb. 9 (PIA)—The BIDA Solusyon advocacy campaign pushing a behavioral change for people to adopt the standard health protocols, has been expanded to cover government’s massive vaccination drive against COVID-19.

“Mask, Iwas, Hugas plus Bakuna. That is why it’s now BIDA Plus. We won’t be able to fully fight COVID-19 unless we combine the four,” Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Ramon Cualoping explained in a recent press conference held in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental.

Cualoping  was with Davao Oriental Provincial Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Provincial Interagency Task Force on COVID-19 action officer Dr. Reden Bersaldo who  also asked media practitioners and government information officers to help the government make people understand the crucial importance of  vaccination to curb COVID-19 spread of infection.

“Ang pinaka dako nga challenge in the rollout of the vaccination is unsaon pag convince sa mga tawo nga magpabakuna. Kani atong gibuhat karon, maski dili tanang pangutana, at least a certain percentage natubag namo. (The greatest challenge in the rollout of vaccination is how to convince people to vaccinate. What we are doing right now, at least a certain percentage, we have answered the some questions),” he said referring to  the conduct of press conference on national COVID-19 vaccination program of the national government.

Together with the Department of Health, the entire Philippine government communication arm headed  by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has waged BIDA Solusyon since last year  to emphasize the letter B which stands for “Bawal ang walang facemask”; I for I-sanitize ang mga Kamay; D for Duminstansya; and A for Alamin ang tamang Impormasyon.

As Health authorities still recommend observance to the mandatory health protocols while waging massive COVID-19 vaccination, the communication  drive to fight the pandemic adds on the vaccination. The unified BIDA Solusyon  Plus campaign thus hoists the  message to go for ““Mask, Iwas, Hugas plus Bakuna”, Cualoping explained.

On top of his provincial sorties to wage the enhanced BIDA Solusyon Plus ,  Cualoping assured private media practitioners and government information officers to conduct online Media Information Literacy.

He also committed to send to private and government media practitioners, the BIDA Solusyon Plus  Information Toolkits providing them the  necessary information regarding government response to COVID-19

“It is incumbent upon us  to keep on telling and sharing the good news,” he told media practitioners and government information officers whom he referred to as “purveyors of information”.

Cualoping estimated the media literacy training to happen by end of February projecting the national rollout of  COVID-19 vaccination program to start early March in anticipation of the delivery of Astrazeneca and Pfizer vaccines. 

Meanwhile, Cualoping said the Philippine Government observes “neutrality”, and that it has not favored any single vaccine to use in waging massive COVID-19 vaccination. 

The national government has talked with  several manufacturers based in the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, India and China, among other countries to negotiate for vaccine supply but Cualoping assured that vaccines are from manufacturers given with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drugs Administration of the Philippine government.

He also assured that all vaccines used in the vaccination drive shall have undergone “rigorous evaluation” of the panel of experts from the Department of Science and Technology and from FDA Philippines.  (Jeanevive Duron Abangan, PIA XI)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Health protocols expanded to vaccination drive." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066533 (accessed February 11, 2021 at 07:35AM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Health protocols expanded to vaccination drive." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066533 (archived).

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CAR placed under GCQ, DOH reminds public to remain vigilant

#PHinfo: CAR placed under GCQ, DOH reminds public to remain vigilant

BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 29 -- The Inter Agency Task Force on COVID – 19 has  decided that from   Modified General Community Quarantine, the Cordillera Administrative Region will be under General Community Quarantine  from February 1 to 28.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced during the Laging Handa Public Hearing on Friday that for the month of February, the whole of the Cordillera region, along with the National Capital Region,  Batangas Province, Tacloban City, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Lanao Del Sur and Iligan City will be under GCQ. The  rest of the country will be under MGCQ.

The surge of COVID cases in the region for the month of January led to the declaration of GCQ classification that imposes more   restrictions on movement of people to mitigate the spread of the disease.    

Department of Health –CAR Regional   Ruby Constantino  reported that as of January 28 data of DOH – CAR, Cordillera has a total confirmed COVID – 19 cases of 11,463 where 1,379 (12.03 percent) are active cases while  9,927 (86.60%) have  recovered. There were also  154(1.34%) deaths.

 As of Jan.  27, Cordillera is under High Risk Epidemic Level with a 2 – Week Growth Rate (2WGR) of 150 percent and an Average Daily Attack Rate (ADAR) of 8.53 per 100,000 population.

Kalinga and Mountain Province are under Critical Epidemic Level; Abra, Apayao, Ifugao and Baguio City are under high risk while Benguet is under moderate risk, she added.

The IATF on COVID – 19 has    general guidelines for GCQ but it is still up to the local government units to decide to adopt it or have a localized version of the   guidelines.

As the COVID continues to pose threats, Constantino again emphasized the health department’s call for continuing vigilance and strict adherence to the minimum health standards.  

Constantino also reminds the “BIDA nag Solusyon Plus”, BIDA - Bawal ang walang Mask; I-sanitize ang Kamay/Iwas hawak sa mga Bagay; Dumistansiya ng Isang Metro; Alamin ang Tamang Impormason; at ang Plus ay suportahan  ang Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – approved na Bakuna.(JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

DOH - CAR Regional Director Dr. Ruby Constantino outlines that as government is moving towards the implementation of the national vaccination program, it is equally important that people continue to protect themselves and their families, as COVID - 19 remains in our environment. (CCD/PIA CAR)

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References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "CAR placed under GCQ, DOH reminds public to remain vigilant." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1065332 (accessed January 29, 2021 at 11:31PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "CAR placed under GCQ, DOH reminds public to remain vigilant." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1065332 (archived).

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PH gov't officials explain vaccination program for all Filipinos

#PHinfo: PH gov't officials explain vaccination program for all Filipinos

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 – During the first vaccine cluster briefing hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), government officials assured Filipinos on the implementation of the vaccination program this year. Invited guest speakers are National Task Force (NTF) Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr.; NTF Deputy Chief Implementer Sec. Vince Dizon; Philippine Information Agency Director-General Usec. Ramon Cualoping III; Food and Drug Administration Director-General Usec. Eric Domingo; Department of Science and Technology Executive Director Jaime Montoya; and World Health Organization Representative Dr. Socorro Escalante. Usec. Cualoping highlighted that it has always been the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte since 2016 to provide a comfortable life for all the Filipino people. "And now in the midst of the pandemic, it is our goal to have a safe and effective vaccine available for all Filipinos," he said. “Bida Solusyon is the government's strong and cohesive information campaign against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It aims to encourage Filipinos to take an active role in the fight against the common enemy. With Bida Solusyon plus the availability of the vaccines, we hope to bring the lives of Filipinos back to normal," added Cualoping. Secretary Galvez also stressed that no one will be left behind, all Filipinos will be vaccinated. The government is negotiating with the different companies/suppliers to ensure the supply of the vaccine. “Health care workers, indigent senior citizens, poor communities, uniformed personnel, teachers and school workers, government workers, essential workers, vulnerable and co-morbid groups, Overseas Filipino Workers, other remaining workforce, and students are among the priority sectors to be vaccinated,” Galvez bared.

Galvez further said that the expanded vaccine access is in partnership with the private sector and the local government units (LGUs). "The vaccine program is not the sole responsibility of the government. This is the reason why the whole-of-government and the whole-of-nation approach shall be adopted, maximizing manpower, expertise, and processes to ensure integrated implementation of the COVID-19 immunization program," he said. Dr. Jaime Montoya of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development emphasized that the task group on Scientific Evaluation and Selection reviews the results of clinical trials, existing evidence, and international recommendations to ensure that the best vaccine will be chosen that is safe and effective for the Filipinos. "Complying to scientific standards ensures that a COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for humans. It also guarantees that the trials conducted followed the highest ethical requirements/standards. All vaccine candidates are required to undergo clinical trials, or experiments involving humans, to test its safety and efficacy," he said. Meanwhile, according to Secretary Vince Dizon, NTF Deputy Chief Implementer, the target number of Filipinos to be vaccinated this year is at 50 to 70 million Filipinos. "We believe that with the support of the Filipino people, we could achieve this goal. We thank the LGUs, mayors, governors, and other officials, as well as the private sector who have been with us since the onset of the pandemic," said Sec. Dizon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "PH gov't officials explain vaccination program for all Filipinos ." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1063189 (accessed January 06, 2021 at 05:28PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "PH gov't officials explain vaccination program for all Filipinos ." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1063189 (archived).