GORDON CREATES TASK FORCE ON A (H1N1)

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. has created a task force to monitor and prevent swine flu A (H1N1) from entering the city.

The task force, by virtue of Executive Order No. 23, is chaired by City Health Office Head Dr. Arnildo Tamayo, and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) Chief Dr. Arturo E. Mendoza as co-chairman.

The City Inter-Agency Task Force for Swine Flu Protection is empowered to formulate preparedness and response plans, operational and technical guidelines and other strategies to help attain program objectives and may require the services and assistance of other city departments and offices.

The task force also tasked concerned department and agency heads to monitor the situation and take protective measures to prevent the spread of A (H1N1) flu.

The task force will also periodically disseminate A (H1N1) virus health advisories and bulletins to the public to dissipate panic and fear among the local residents.

Gordon sees this as an opportunity to establish and improve our health care system that will be capable of responding to a severe situation such as pandemic influenza.

As of 27 May 2009, 48 countries have officially reported 13,398 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 95 deaths. Health experts said people should cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, dispose the tissue properly immediately after use, and wash hands regularly with soap and water. It is always best to practice proper hygiene and maintain cleanliness to prevent the transmission or acquisition of virus.

The virus can be transmitted directly from pigs to humans; directly from humans to pigs; and directly from humans to humans.

Dr. Mendoza is cautioning the people against panicking and rushing to clinics upon slightest manifestations of flu. “Unless you have direct contact with an infected animal, person from a country with recorded cases of swine flu, or been to a country where there’s an outbreak, you are not at any risk of contracting the virus.”

To date, there has been no A (H1N1) case recorded in the city.

As a pro-active response to the looming threat that has hit the world and recently the country, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. assigned several department heads to be a part of the City Inter-Agency Task Force for Swine Flu Protection which convened on May 22, 2009 to discuss strategic approaches in preventing the entry of the said virus in Olongapo City. (Photo and caption/PAO)

PAO/chay