QC mobilizes barangays vs SARS

The Quezon City government has mobilized health and barangay officials in the campaign to prevent the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said the tapping of health and barangay officials will ensure that the city’s information drive on the killer disease, SARS, is effectively carried out even in remote communities in Quezon City.

"It is important to inform and educate people, telling them what to do and where to go if they detect symptoms of the disease. This is also necessary in allaying their fears," Belmonte said.

City officials have also proposed the setting up of a SARS task force that will formulate necessary measures to prevent a possible outbreak.

Councilor Jorge Banal said there is a need to ensure the protection of the city following reports that a suspected SARS victim visited Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa a few days before she died.

For her part, city health officer Dr. Maria Paz called on barangays to work closely with district officers of the city health department in monitoring individuals who have recently traveled to SARS-affected countries.

She also reminded residents to take the necessary precautions.

"We should not neglect practicing personal hygiene. Proper washing of hands with soap and water before and after eating and going to the bathroom are essential to prevent the thriving of a virus and other forms of bacteria in our bodies," she said.

At least two government hospitals — the Quezon City General Hospital and the Novaliches District Hospital — have already adopted infectious disease control measures and have set-up isolation rooms for possible SARS patients. – Perseus Echeminada