Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Situational Overview
On 31 December 2019, Wuhan city in China reported cases of pneumonia of unknown origin, which was later confirmed to be caused by a new coronavirus now known as COVID-19. COVID-19 continues to spread, affecting 208 countries across all continents of the world. On 30 January 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health event of international concern. This is a call to action for all countries to be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation, and case management, contact tracing and prevention of further spread. On 11 March 2020, following concerns about the level of spread and severity, WHO assessed that COVID-19 now characterized as a pandemic. According to the WHO as of May 13, 2020, a total of 4,139,794 cases and 285,328 deaths had been reported worldwide.
In Philippines, on 20 January 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in a 38-year-old female, Chinese national, who subsequently recovered. An immediate investigation and contact tracing were conducted. Her companion, a 44-year-old, male, Chinese national later also tested positive for COVID-19 and died on 1 February 2020. On 5 February 2020, the Department of Health (DoH) confirmed a third case in a 60-year-old Chinese woman who came from Hong Kong to Cebu on January 20 before she travelled to Bohol. After a month without new cases, on 6 March 2020, the DOH announced two cases consisting of two Filipinos. On 7 March 2020, the DoH raised its "Code Red Sub-Level 1", with the recommendation to the President of the
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Philippines to impose a "public health emergency" authorizing the DOH to mobilize resources for the procurement of safety gear and the imposition of preventive quarantine measures. On 9 March 2020, the Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 922, declaring the country to be in a state of public health emergency.
On 12 March 2020, the Philippines raised the COVID-19 alert system to “Code Red Sub-Level 2” imposing a partial lockdown of the National Capital Region (NCR) and other mitigation measures, including suspension of classes, mass gatherings and non-essential work, flexible work arrangements, as well as restrictions on land, domestic air and sea travel. On 15 March 2020, President Duterte announced that the entirety of the Luzon island, the country’s largest and most populated island, would be placed under “Enhanced Community Quarantine. (ECQ) until 12 April 2020, and later, extended to May 14, 2020.
Other areas of the Philippines outside of Luzon have also implemented ECQ, as well as introduced their own localized restrictions. On 17 March 2020, Duterte issued Proclamation No. 929, declaring the Philippines under a state of calamity for a tentative period of six months. On 24 March, the President signed the “Bayanihan To Heal as One” Act into law, providing him with emergency powers to further strengthen the government response to COVID-19.
As of May 13, 2020. The Philippines Department of Health (DoH)’s COVID-19 tracker, the Philippines has recorded the following confirmed cases and deaths.
11,618 8,595 772 2,251 Confirmed Cases Active Cases Deaths of confirmed cases Facility-based recoveries/ completed 14-day home quarantine
In accordance with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) standard operating procedures (SOP), the Operations Centre (OpCen), which functions 24/7, is on heightened alert and has been receiving calls from concerned members of the public since February. With the spike in cases over the past weeks, the OpCen has worked closely with the DoH and standardized questions and answers – especially advice on prevention and treatment options.
PRC contributed to the drafting of the COVID-19 National Contingency Planning workshop, organized by DoH and attended by key government agencies on 27-28 February 2020.
The COVID-19 response strategy is based on the phase of the epidemic and the PRC role to support the local response. These may change over time, sometimes rapidly.
PRC actions on prevention, preparedness and response for the COVID-19 are being implemented under the following pillars: 1) Surveillance; 2) Support to Healthcare Systems and Authorities; 3) Community Action; and 4) Business Continuity.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Surveillance
Photo. RC set-up the Helpline 1158 located in PRC Tower, Mandaluyong City
PRC “Helpline (1158)” has been established to take calls related to COVID-19. It is operational 24/7 and run by psychosocial support trained volunteers, who will provide information and advice to people in their own language. This also help address rumors and misinformation related to COVID-19. This service is equally important because of the ongoing community quarantine and other restrictions. Callers with suspected COVID-19 infection are being referred to the authorities for follow up. Recently, as PRC opened its Molecular laboratories, the average calls raised to 200 calls per day seeking for guidance about the COVID 19 testing parameters.
Below is the graphical analysis of the calls received and how it is being managed by the team:
Inquiries Testing inquiries 19% 22%
Inquiries
Transported Transported Transported by1% others Coordinated with0% DOH/LGU Transported by others 2% Suspected 3% Coordinated with DOH/LGU Relief concerns 8% Suspected APPOINTMENT Relief concerns Testing inquiries
APPOINTMENT 45%
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Mobilization of Red Cross 143 (RC 143) to prepare action plans and guidelines for community-based surveillance of COVID-19. Red Cross 143 is a community-based volunteering initiative implemented by PRC which comprises one (1) team leader and a minimum of 43 members, hence “RC 143”.
The RC 143 are well placed to carry out health, disaster risk reduction, and other programs at the community level; provide accurate information based on community questions and concerns; give communities the tools for positive behavior change to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection; document and correctly answer community feedback (questions, concerns, rumors); and communicate risks.
Photo. Community-based surveillance in Ilocos Norte
A pilot implementation was done to 21 different chapters nationwide. This allow to test the existing guidelines before its blanket roll out to all chapters. The purpose of this component is to RC 143 volunteers and PRC staff will also be trained on contact tracing processes and procedures ensuring that they can adequately support DOH efforts should they be required. PRC has also launched an RC 143 mobile app, which based on geo-location can trace and notify users who may have contact (direct or indirect) with a COVID-19 patient.
Photo. Red Cross 143 mobilization in Lanao del Sur
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Support to Healthcare Systems and Authorities
Photos. Red Cross Medical Tents in UP PGH Manila and Quezon Institute.
PRC with the support from its partners, has mobilized medical tents to support DOH address the increasing number of COVID-19 cases at designated hospitals. The DoH supplied the staff and manage these facilities.
These will be equipped with air conditioners, lighting, hospital beds, power supply, water and sanitation in accordance with protection, gender and inclusion minimum standards including menstrual hygiene management, accessibility ramps and other accessible facilities for people with disabilities, and gender and culturally appropriate consultation and treatment spaces.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
The PRC established molecular laboratories and testing facilities across the nation. Presently, 2 laboratories are now accredited by the DoH while 4 are subject undergoing the accreditation process. PRC staff and volunteers will receive training from the RITM to learn how to operate the testing machines. PRC is working closely with DoH and WHO to ensure that the laboratory follows the necessary accreditation and licensing requirements. This action has significantly increased the testing capacity of the country.
Photos. Swabbing sites and molecular laboratory in Mandaluyong City
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
As the PRC boosted the testing capacity of the country, below is the trend analysis of performance of PRC molecular laboratories:
CUMULATIVE TREND OF Molecular Laboratory: Daily Performance MOLECULAR LABORATORY 4500 40000 4,050 4000 35000 34163510 33,569 3500 30000 29,519 3000 26,009 2,406 25000 2500 22,593 1,980 1,980 20,793 1800 20000 18,813 2000 17,292 1,521 15000 14,886 1500 1,240 1,246 12,906 1,030 1,078 990 11,916 895 962 920867 10,12911,049 10000 8,883 1000 576 626 624 7,805 6,565 399 326 5,603 288 217 5000 4,6534,979 500 136101 99 196 2,7283,623 1,5901,6891,8852,102
0 902263276151,014 0
15-Apr-20 16-Apr-20 17-Apr-20 18-Apr-20 19-Apr-20 20-Apr-20 21-Apr-20 22-Apr-20 23-Apr-20 24-Apr-20 25-Apr-20 26-Apr-20 27-Apr-20 28-Apr-20 29-Apr-20 30-Apr-20
02-May-20 03-May-20 04-May-20 05-May-20 06-May-20 07-May-20 08-May-20 09-May-20 10-May-20 11-May-20 12-May-20 01-May-20
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
PRC Ambulances are mobilized to support DOH with the transportation of suspected and confirmed with COVID- 19 individuals. As part of their overarching improving the response capacity, PRC 6 units of negative pressure ambulances; and “Epi Shuttle” medical isolation and transportation units to appropriately support COVID-19 infected patients. PPE for ambulance crews and training of ambulance crew as well as ambulance running costs (fuel and maintenance) are being covered by partners.
Photos. Negative pressure ambulance unit (photo courtesy of PIA)
Additional backpack sprayers, PPE for front line personnel, thermal temperature scanners, and infrared fever scanners will be procured. PRC welfare desks are established at the hospitals, which provide hot meals and psychosocial first aid (PFA) to medical personnel, patients, and family members. Meanwhile hygiene kits were also distributed to patients confined to the tents and quarantine sites.
Photos. Distribution of face masks with local authorities and frontline agencies.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Photos. (1) Overseas Filipino workers lining-up for the RT PCR testing in PRC Molecular laboratory in Mandaluyong City. (2) Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between PRC and LGUs in Metro Manila and participated by Executive Branch of the government.
There is a need to safely quarantine people in a dignified way and for those repatriated. The Philippines has a large overseas Filipino worker (OFW) population employed across Asia, the Middle East and in Europe. Additionally, a large percentage of seafarers on merchant navies and cruise ships are from the Philippines. The PRC supported quarantine triage, isolation solutions including camp set up and management.
Photo. PRC provided support to the outbound overseas Filipino workers.
This makes the country uniquely vulnerable to imported COVID-19 infections. Rigorous health checks are in place at airports, but seaports are not well catered for. PRC also continuously reached out to OFWs through social media and utilization of the “Virtual Volunteer” platform. It also includes support OFWs returning to their countries of employment through psychosocial support, hotlines. PRC will work with government authorities to identify solution to pandemic refugees. Coordination with DoH and authorities at all levels will also be enhanced.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) adjusted its ongoing programming and launched new initiatives to assist national authorities, healthcare system, detention facilities and the Philippine Red Cross to respond to the pandemic. Given the high rates of congestion in detention facilities, the ICRC supports authorities to formulate policies and implement practical measures to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19 among detainees and detention staff. ICRC with the support of PRC has setting up 5 isolation units for detainees with capacity of over 500 beds, including utilities (electricity, water, sanitation), furnishings, medical equipment, training, and PPE for the staff.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Community Action
Scaling up of community-based activities focusing on COVID-19 prevention activities are being carried out using epidemic control for volunteers (ECV) in high-risk areas such as informal settlements, adjacent to ports and airports and where positive cases have been isolated. They are targeting the most vulnerable groups such elderly, those with existing non-communicable diseases and other health issues assessed to be at high risk of COVID-19.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion (WASH) interventions are equally prioritized in different places in thr country, specifically, the installation of handwashing stations at markets, transportation hubs, parks and at PRC Chapters and medical facility and for some Chapters in informal settlements plus education. Awareness sessions are being conducted in communities including those that are particularly vulnerable to epidemics due to poor hygiene and sanitation conditions. This will include messaging physical distancing and other mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission.’
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Photo. Handwashing facility in Cebu.
Individuals and communities who have suffered economic loss due to the outbreak through quarantining and loss of work opportunities will require support in getting back on their feet. Cash assistance will be provided to ensure that they are able to meet their immediate basic needs and maintain the economic security of their household while their livelihoods remain disrupted. Additional bereavement grants and loss of income grants will also be provided. Targeting and selection of recipients will be done in collaboration with DSWD and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure that this assistance complements the support provided by the authorities, and that the most vulnerable groups can be prioritized.
An initial pilot of the cash assistance interventions will be conducted in Metro Manila, which will include an assessment and feasibility study, risk management for cash assistance, establishment of the MEB, pilot disbursements of multipurpose cash grants, and an evaluation. This will be completed by end of May 2020, and lessons learnt will then be factored into the implementation of a large-scale cash assistance program, supported under pillar.
It is expected that this assistance will be will support the targeted recipients meet their immediate basic needs, giving them income while their livelihoods are disrupted, help them access basic services, as well as cover any additional costs that they are incurring during the EQ/lockdown - for example, accommodation costs while stranded or in self-isolation.
There also be a need to consider the economic and social impact on people’s livelihoods post COVID-19 and develop appropriate recovery strategies in accordance with approaches being implemented by the authorities and other partner organizations. Additionally, strategies focused on improving people’s shelter situation and thus mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Photo. Food distribution in Benguet.
Focus needs to be placed on marginalized groups at risk of COVID-19 (refer to “Targeting” section. Targeted PSS activities will be developed to support those vulnerable communities explicitly impacted by COVID-19. PRC will also consider underserved areas such as Bangsamoro (BARMM) and indigenous communities.
Recruitment and screening processes for all staff and any spontaneous volunteers must remain rigorous to ensure appropriate protection measures are in place. Basic PGI orientation will be delivered to all front-line personnel and volunteers including ambulance and emergency health personnel, to ensure all services are operating in accordance with the IFRC minimum standards for protection, gender, and inclusion in emergencies.
Business Continuity
PRC has developed its business continuity plan which have been extended to National Headquarter (NHQ) units and all 103 active Chapters across the country. This also includes measures to ensure continuity of the 81 blood service facilities and one (1) dialysis center that are being operated by PRC. Coordination with DOH and authorities will be prioritized to ensure special permits can be granted to blood donors and dialysis patients to ensure that they have continuous access to these services regardless of movement restrictions put in place due to COVID-19.
PRC issued a communication to all Chapters on protocols to be followed prior to undertaking the implementation of any activity, and coordination with LGUs is also being enhanced. Current operations/programs are being reviewed to identify measures that can be taken to redesign or adapt activities to ensure continuity of implementation, including main-streaming a COVID-19 sensitive approach. This has included the use of revised workflows for cash and relief distributions, and application of social distancing regulations.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Photos: (1) Regular patient conduction using PRC ambulance unit in Nueva Vizcaya; (2) Blood donation in Davao City; (3) Regular coordination with authorities.
To prepare for sudden outbreaks and to replenish stock PRC will procure and stockpile equipment including PPE and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. Relevant trainings will continue to be provided to staff and volunteers to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to respond to the outbreak, including preparation to conduct contact tracing, and roll out of immunization campaigns should a COVID-19 vaccine become available.
PRC has identified a roster of staff to work from the office, which has reduced the number of personnel working from its NHQ and at Chapter level; as well as enforcing protocols to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in its offices. Insurance and hazard related support is also being reinforced for personnel involved in the response operation.
The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed the staff and volunteers to high stress, who experience anxiety due to the fear of contracting the virus. The PRC NHQ welfare team is conducting psychosocial support to NHQ staff to support their mental well-being.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
Resource Mobilization, Adaptation and Coordination The Philippine Red Cross continues to mobilize its many volunteers for a plethora of activities throughout the country, with a strong focus on distribution of PPE, tents for isolation and treatment of suspect and confirmed cases, hygiene kits, community surveillance, community WASH, mental health and psychosocial support including the game changer intervention the setting-up of molecular laboratories across the country.
Out of these interventions, the PRC has received support from the Movement Partners, International Agencies, and private sector including individual donors. Philippine Red Cross identified as key humanitarian partner of government in fight against COVID-19 under landmark Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act has been signed into law last March 23, 2020 to ramp up efforts to fight COVID- 19, including social safety nets and PhilHealth medical assistance to health workers and volunteers who risk their own lives in order to save the lives of others. Government will provide emergency subsidy to around 18 million low income households, to ensure that families have access to food and other basic needs considering the heavy economic cost of the pandemic.
The PRC also adjusted its ongoing development initiatives and emergency response activities have adapted to the current COVID-19 response. Aside from COVID-19, PRC is also responding to Marawi Seige, Mindanao Earthquake, Typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy) in Southern Luzon and Bicol Region, Typhoon Phanfone (Ursula) in Southern Luzon and Visayas Regions, Taal Volcanic eruption, and Polio outbreak response.
PRC aimed to raise 3 Billion Php and currently received at least 20% of the funding requirements to support 3 million people across the country. PRC also uses online donation platforms that will increase its resources to respond based on the context. Below is the table showing the support received by PRC according to PRC COVID- 19 pillars:
Pillar 2 Pillar 2 Pillar 3 Pillar 4 (Support to Pillar 3 Pillar 4 Pillar 1 (Support to Pillar 1 (Community (Business healthcare (Community Business List of Partners (Surveillance) healthcare system List of Partners ( Action) Continuity) (Surveillance) system and Action) and authorities) Continuity) authorities) International Federation of Red International Committee of Cross and Red Crescent Societies the Red Cross (ICRC) (IFRC) The Netherlands Red Cross American Red Cross (ARC) (NLRC)
Irish Red Cross
Australian Government UNICEF
Megaworld OKADA Foundation Inc. Nestle Philippines Bloomberry Foundation
Makati Development Corporation Metrobank Foundation
Nickel Asia Corporation Security Bank Foundation
Liwayway Marketing Corporation Puregold Price Club Inc.
Jack Ng LT Group Inc
Transco FF Cruz Company
Grab Philippines Grab Philippines
RCBC REWARD PROGRAMS Estelito Mendoza
ZALORA PHIL Supreme Master Ching Hai
SHOPEE LAZADA
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
In terms of coordination, the PRC created its COVID-19 Task Force team. Daily meetings are being held to update on the situation along with the progress of accomplishments in achieving the targets set in the COVID-19 response plan. Meanwhile, PRC chapters regularly participate in the Interagency Task Force hosted by respective regional offices and local government units.
PRC also organize a bi-weekly Movement Operations Meeting to discuss important matter among its partners. The National Headquarters regularly participates in the cluster coordination meetings organized by the Government of the Philippines and UN, this includes the Health Cluster, WASH and Mental Health.
More so, regular updates like PowerPoint presentation reflecting photos of PRC chapters activities and infographics are shared to relevant stakeholders including the chapters at least 3 times per week.
Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 Operation Report as of May 13,2020
For more information, please contact the following:
SEN. RICHARD GORDON Chairman and CEO [email protected]
MS. ELIZABETH S. ZAVALLA Secretary General Team Leader- Task Force COVID-19 [email protected]
MR. BRIAN KAE ENRIQUEZ Manager, WASH Unit Head, Chapter Development COVID-19 Response Coordinator [email protected]