DILG to LGUs, PNP: Organize contact tracing teams

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGUs) have been tasked to organize teams that will trace people who had contact with those infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said local police chiefs would lead contact tracing teams (CTTs) and would be assisted by health officers, personnel of disaster risk reduction and management councils and barangay officials.

“Mahalaga ang papel ng CCTs para tuluyan ng bumaba ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa.  Nakasalalay sa kanila ang pagtukoy at pag-isolate ng mga nakasalamuha ng may sakit... at pagpapagamot ng mga COVID-19 positive,” Año said.

He said LGUs would handle continuing contact tracing and ensure that these people adhere to self-quarantine and monitoring protocols.

Año said barangay officials should identify “at-risk individuals” while mass testing is ongoing.

Under a memorandum circular issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, LGUs as well as police and Bureau of Fire Protection personnel should “fully assist and cooperate” with the Department of Health as it conducts mass testing.

LGUs are expected to ensure that local COVID-19 centers or community quarantine facilities are functional and their personnel are trained to conduct tests. They are asked to report to the provincial and regional task force at 2 p.m. daily.

Action reports should include the number of confirmed cases,  persons under investigation and trained staff for contact tracing, among other relevant details.