LU stranded folks undergo quarantine

By Caren Grace R. Cabanayan

ROSARIO, La Union – Locally stranded individuals (LSIs) back home in La Union are now under 14-day quarantine in the provincial isolation facility to prevent transmission of Covid-19 disease.

Some 20 LSIs were transported to La Union July 26 through the government’s “Hatid Tulong” program.

Though they were confirmed negative through rapid testing before their send-off from Rizal Memorial Circle, said individuals were brought to the quarantine facility located at Sevilla village in San Fernando City where they had swab tests.

“Yung mga darating na LSIs ay dadalhin kaagad sa provincial isolation center right after the receiving process. Doon sila sasailalim sa swab testing para masigurado na negative sila sa Covid-19,” Alvin Cruz, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer who headed the repatriation team, said in an interview. 

 If any of the LSIs will be found positive, they will be turned over to their designated health care facility. 

 “Sa mga taga-District 1 ay i-endorse natin sila sa Rosario District Hospital habang sa Balaoan District Hospital naman sa pangalawang distrito,” he said. 

 But with those who will be tested negative, they will be handed over to their local government units. 

 After the verification process, and in between receiving their hygiene kits, hot meals and food packs, said individuals were disinfected before they will board the bus to said isolation center.

To prevent members of the receiving team such as the health care providers from getting infected, the provincial government provided them with complete personal protective equipment. 

Cruz said, “Dahil nga marami ‘yung una naming inaasahang bilang ng LSIs na darating, we can say na overly prepared kami. Pero mas maganda ng sobra sa preparation para kumpleto like the logistics, at well-coordinated sa lahat ng regional line agencies and local government units.”

Meanwhile, Hatid Tulong executive director Joseph Encabo said LSIs must undergo 14-day quarantine upon arrival and must undergo swabs  even after the rapid testing. -- PIA La Union