Mayor Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday reiterated her call for Dabawenyos to help the local government contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Mayor Sara issued the appeal anew as the Department of Health 11 (Davao region) said the city has logged a total of 411 confirmed cases as of Monday.
Of the figure, 82 are actives cases, 301 patients have recovered, while 28 have died.
She said Dabawenyos can contribute by practicing four simple ways to control the spread of the deadly disease in the city: staying at home, wearing face masks in public places, maintaining safe physical distancing, and frequent handwashing.
“If people ask how they can help or what they can do to control the transmission of Covid-19, that is how they can help. Very simple, easy to do, it’s not expensive, and doable,” Mayor Sara said.
“It is easier to kill the virus when one is practicing preventive measures than doing it when one is already infected. When we say public places, it means when you go out of your house. We should not be complacent. Even just talking to our neighbors does not mean we should not wear masks anymore.”
Meanwhile, she said Dabawenyos experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 should avail of the free and voluntary reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
Mayor Sara said those with symptoms, such as cough, colds, fever, sore throat, and diarrhea, may submit themselves for testing at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), the Tomas Claudio Health Center, and Davao One World Diagnostic Center.
“They also have an option to request the City Health Office medical personnel to conduct swab testing at their homes, in case they are hesitant for fear of being exposed to the virus by going to the laboratories,” she said.
“We have received reports that some people are hesitant to go to SPMC, the health center for whatever reason – we do not know. So we will be the one to adjust (to) these situations.”
Residents who want to get tested may coordinate through the Davao City Operations Center, (0917) 508 6548 and (0919) 071 1111; for text messages, (0906) 367 4671 and (0939) 340 5675.
They may also contact all City Government of Davao online platforms, such as the Davao City Reports and the Davao City Disaster Radio Facebook Page. (PNA)