AH1N1 guidelines for event organizers set

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health now requires event organizers to be able to provide basic facilities and services like hand washing facilities with soap and running water and garbage bins for proper disposal of tissues.

This was among the latest guidelines released by the Department of Health on public gatherings in response to Influenza A(H1N1) virus threat.

DOH also reminded event organizers or hosts to determine the time required to achieve the purpose of a public gathering and to avoid extending the period of time that people are gathered as crowds.

Organizers must also be able to provide alternative options and venues for participation but DOH advises that open spaces are preferable over indoor venues.

For every event, organizers must also provide hand washing facilities and garbage bins, disposable cups and other items.

 There must also be on-site medical assessment team that is equipped to screen persons developing flu-like illness. After the event, they must ensure that frequently touched objects and surfaces like door knobs, tabletops, chairs and toilets among others had been adequately disinfected.

DOH is also reminding persons attending public gatherings to practice proper cough manners and covering of mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and the washing of hands after doing so.

Maintaining of personal hygiene, especially regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitizer must always be done.

At the first signs and symptoms of flu-like illness, DOH insists that the public must defer from attending a public gathering and seek medical consultation.

Persons who are at high risk of complications from Influenza A(H1N1) infection should avoid exposure to this virus by reconsidering attending public gatherings.

Those who are at high risk are persons with certain chronic medical conditions and the immuno-compromised; children less than five years and persons 60 and above and pregnant women.

Likewise, DOH has called on local officials, health officers and others with jurisdiction over the public gathering to reinforce guidelines on public gatherings for event organizers and hosts by issuing corresponding memorandum or ordinances.

LGUs should complement the preparations made by event organizers in the provision of adequate facilities and services for the public gathering.

They could work with organizers in planning for the provision of on-site medical assistance for possible medical emergencies.

“In the event that a suspected case of Influenza A(H1N1) virus infection is reported in the scheduled public gathering, the DOH is authorized to investigate, make recommendations and assist the community to contain the infection,” DOH stressed.

This is specified in Republic Act No. 9271, Quarantine Act of 2004, “An Act Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of the Department of Health in Quarantine and International Health Surveillance.” — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)