In the digital age, information can be acquired easily through your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. However, we are also exposed to misinformation, especially fake news, when a lot of people are free to say what they want. During a global health crisis, it is important to be aware on the current situation of the country. Mainline Power Philippines, the provider of accessible and safe power, wants to play the same role in this situation; your reliable source of information to keep your loved ones safe and quick on their feet.
With that, here are the recent updates on COVID-19, the symptoms, community quarantine, and your personal rights when it comes to PNP checkpoints and traveling. This may be a long email, but please take your time to read it to stay protected.
How can we differentiate the common flu from COVID-19?
Here is a checklist that shows the differentiation of COVID-19 from other similar common sicknesses:
What should you do if you feel like you have COVID-19?
Here’s what The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) say:
Stay home except to get medical care.
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
Stay away from others.
As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home.
Wear a face mask.
- If you are sick: Wear a facemask when you are around other people or pets and before you go to the hospital.
- If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with the person who is sick should not stay in the same room with them, or they should wear a face mask if they enter a room with the sick person in it.
- If you’re not sick, not caring for others, or not in a public place where you suspect that there are lots of sick people in it, you don’t have to wear a face mask. Panic-buying face masks if you’re not one of the aforementioned makes you contribute to the spreading of COVID-19. This is because you limit the face masks that actual sick people can buy.
Avoid sharing personal household items.
Do not share any kitchenware, towels, or bedding with other people in your home. If sharing is unavoidable (you don’t have any other utensils), wash them thoroughly after use.
Clean all “high-touch surfaces” everyday.
- Practice routine cleaning of high touch surfaces. High touch surfaces include tables, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, mobile phones, keyboards, remote control, and even drawer handles.
- Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
- Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Monitor your symptoms.
- Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
- Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
- Ask your healthcare provider to call the local health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
What are the details of the community quarantine in Metro Manila?
(Source: ABS-CBN News, GMA News, President Duterte’s LiveStream)
- The country raised Code Red Sub-Level 2 due to risks posed by COVID-19.
- Mass gatherings like parties, meetings, and concerts, and conventions are not allowed until April 14, 2020. Those who would have to cancel their bookings and reservations on different establishments may ask for refund. Consumers who can’t get refunds may ask help from DTI.
- All classes in Metro Manila will be suspended until April 14, 2020. Schools are encouraged to hold online classes.
- Domestic land, air, sea travel will be suspended to and from Metro Manila starting midnight of March 15, 2020 to April 14, 2020.
- The train systems LRT, MRT, and PNR are still operational for public use. Management of these train systems implement “social distancing,” where only 250-300 passengers can board each ride, and people should line up and stay on the train 1 meter away from each other.
- Those coming to and from abroad via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila shall be allowed entry “subject to travel restrictions” that are currently in place.
- Anyone coming in from abroad via NAIA will have to remain inside Metro Manila until the local travel ban is lifted.
- Employees who live outside Metro Manila can go to their offices in Metro Manila, provided that they have IDs or proof of employment to present at the checkpoints.
- Uniformed personnel will be deployed along the borders of the National Capital Region for enforcement of the local travel ban.Uniformed personnel will be deployed along the borders of the National Capital Region for enforcement of the local travel ban.
- Work at the executive branch of the government have been suspended.
- In the legislative branch, the Senate will conduct “business as usual” while the House of Representatives suspended work up to April 12. Congress is currently on break.
- All court hearings are suspended from March 13 to 18, according to the Supreme Court.
- Frontline services of SSS, PhilHealth, and GSIS shall remain in place.
- Filing of income taxes with the Bureau of Internal Revenue cannot be extended further beyond April 15, 2020 but amendment of returns without payment of interest can be allowed subject to certain conditions.
Here are some things to remember at PNP checkpoints according to the Philippine National Police:
- Checkpoint must be well-lit, properly identified (with signs), and manned by uniformed personnel.
- Slow down upon approach, dim headlights, and turn on cabin lights. NEVER step out of the vehicle.
- Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed. Do not submit to a physical or body search.
- You are NOT obliged to open your trunk, glove compartment, or bags.
- Routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with your answers.
- Assert your rights, have presence of mind, and do not panic.
- Keep your driver’s license and car registration handy and within reach.
- Be ready to use your phone at anytime. Speed dial emergency numbers:
911 – Emergency
Those are the important things to remember in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the month-long community quarantine.
However, if you have product-related concerns, just send an email to [email protected] or call 0927 250 9929. Mainline Power Philippines will always be here to assist you.