Metro LGUs ready for SARS cases

The Metro Manila Mayors League assured the public yesterday that local government units are now prepared to handle incidents related to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

In an interview yesterday, Metro Mayors League spokesman and Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao "Peewee" Trinidad said all hospitals have been directed to set up isolation wards and quarantine areas for individuals suspected of having SARS.

He added that the League has agreed to come up with a set of uniform ordinances related to SARS to be adopted by each of the city and municipal councils.

Trinidad also cited the anti-spitting ordinance as an example of the SARS prevention measures to be adopted by the LGUs.

"We are all for the programs of the President. This is a call to arms," Trinidad said.

In Pasay City, Trinidad noted that the three hospitals have been instructed on how to handle suspected SARS cases.

He also noted that the mayors have also educated the barangay health personnel on the reporting procedures on suspected SARS cases.

All suspected cases that go to the health centers will be referred to hospitals which in turn will inform the San Lazaro Hospital or the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

Trinidad said that the LGUs will provide support for the transport of the patients to the two hospitals. – Marvin Sy