CHSO: Emergency ‘GO-BAG’ during COVID-19 pandemic, a must

BAGUIO OCITY – (8 April 2021) – The City Health Services Office encourages the public to prepare an emergency kit called ‘go-bag’ as additional response to the ongoing coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

Similar to the survival go-bag during calamities, the CHSO advises a go-bag for every individual once they tested positive of COVID-19.

Dr. Nelson Hora, Medical Officer IV of the CHSO said the go-bag during the pandemic should contain a person’s change of clothes for 14 days of isolation; maintenance medicines if there are; additional drinking water; thermos for hot water needs; additional blanket; toiletries and other personal hygiene needs such as extra face masks, hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol, disinfectant supplies and tissues.

“Once a person exhibits a symptom or get tested, there is a 50 percent chance that the result will be Covid-19 positive. While waiting for your test result, avoid additional contacts, prepare yourself and your go-bag including your diary or list of places frequented and people in contact with for the last 14 days,” Hora said.

Over a year of struggle due to the pandemic, Hora said a lot of Covid-19 patients still lack preparedness.

“The virus is just lurking in our midst and it will just be a matter of time when one tests positive of Covid, especially if we fail to comply with the minimum health standards that is why everyone should be

prepared just like how we prepare during natural calamities,” said Dr. Donnabel Panes of the City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU).

She said a Covid-19 patient should take the initiative to inform his/her contacts of the positive test result so they can do their own precautionary measures and self-quarantine.

“Kapag nagpositibo ka sa Covid-19, handa na ba ang isolation plan mo? Handa na ba ang go-bag mo? Handa na ba ang diary mo para sa contact-tracing?” Panes reminded the public. – Jessa Samidan