Prevention is Key: How to Prepare for a COVID-19 Outbreak IloiloIloilo Blog

The world is in the grasp of an unseen enemy, ravaging countries and disrupting comfortable normalcy. Unfortunately, the dreaded virus is no longer just a scare and has reached the Philippines too — as we all know. Prevention is the key. Learn how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Province of Iloilo, and Iloilo City (along with the surrounding islands of Panay) is fortunate in that the virus cases haven’t risen to, as say, the number of cases in Manila. (Or God forbid, just like Italy).

face-masks-Iloilo-coronavirus-021720 — Image Credit: Business World

We must be grateful that our local government unit is taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus, and taking steps to help better contain it. Traveling restrictions on Iloilo and the like are necessary to do so. This in addition to educating people how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak.

And since information and prevention is the key, here’s our part in spreading knowledge that we, as a general public, need. The information we get on a daily basis is almost never enough. So there’s no such thing as an overload of information when it comes to knowing how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak.

Planning is Needed: How to Prepare for a COVID-19 Outbreak

Just like other afflictions that have plagued our city in the past, we always hear it emphasized time and time again that prevention is a thousand times better than any cure.

There’s nothing wrong about learning how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the event that it does happen — although we sincerely hope that it doesn’t come to that. And our LGU’s prevention measures would be just as effective as our own personal ones.

Without further ado, here’s what you can do to prepare for the worst.

#1 Create a household plan

Creating a household plan helps protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in your community. Remember to base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your family members.

Discuss with family: Meet with your household members, and talk about what to do in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in your community. As much as we don’t want that to happen, we need to consider all the possibilities. Even the worst ones. Discuss what the needs of each person would be.
Plan for ways to care for the afflicted: Information is limited regard who may be at risk of severe complications. However, from the data available, it’s possible that older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions could be at higher risk than most. Consult with your health care providers.
Talk to your neighbors: Get to know your neighbors and discuss emergency planning. In the unsavory event, conduct your own neighborhood quarantine if you have to.
Pinpoint aid organizations in your community: Develop a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, health care services, resources, provisions, and additional support.
Emergency contact list: Make sure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for friends, family, neighbors, health care providers, carpool drivers, employers, teachers, and the local public health department.

#2 Practice proper personal health habits

Implement everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone inside the house about the importance of such actions, and that it can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Avoid close contact with sick people.
Stay at home when you’re sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Frequently clean touched surfaces and objects with regular household detergent and water.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before you eat, after you blow your nose and cough, etc.

And just in case someone in the household is sick, identify a separate bathroom if possible. Clean these rooms as needed.

#3 Learn about emergency operations plans in your community

Iloilo City is under one such emergency operations plan. Schools and events that call for large crowds are canceled, and travel restrictions are being implemented. And that’s for the good of everybody.

These measures help slow (and even prevent) the spread of illness. In addition, the authorities can monitor everyone more closely. Understand these regulations and what they entail, and most importantly, cooperate with healthcare and local government authorities.