Ifugao adds more members in fight against Covid-19

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)  fast spreading in different parts of the country , Gov. Jerry Dalipog  expanded  membership of the COVID-19 Provincial Task Force (CPTF)  to include other stakeholders  to oversee and implement preventive measures  to stop the entry of  the dreaded disease in the province.  

Through Executive Order No. 26, the CPTF chaired by the Governor with the Vice Governor as the vice chairman, is now composed of 50 members to include all Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, mayors, chiefs of hospitals, heads of provincial and national offices, representatives from the academe, business and transport sectors.

The task force will formulate and institute polices and systems for preparedness and response to the COVID-19, authorize and mobilize provincial teams and resources for appropriate and prompt response as needed or requested.

It is also tasked to develop plans and adopt measures relative to the prevention of entry and minimization of spread of the disease; establish, strengthen and manage a functional network with other government and non-government offices, and asses the COVID19 preparedness and response situation of the province.

                The reorganization also include the core teams of the task force like the provincial spokesperson; media relations, information and communication; disease surveillance and operation; hospital preparedness; logistic support; mobilization and transport; planning and checkpoint.

Funds for the implementation of plans and measures against the COVID-19 will be charged to budget under the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Risk Reduction Management Office and other available funds of the provincial government. 

As of March 26, Ifugao remains free of Covid-19. It has listed 34 persons under investigation with one admitted in hospital, 8 discharged, 22 managed at home, 2 recovered and one managed at quarantine area. There are also 1895 persons under monitoring with 1,455 still to complete their 14-day quarantine. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)