DoH flags code white alert on All Soul’s and Saints’ Day

The Department of Health (DoH) already implemented the code white alert in preparation for All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day this November 1 and 2.

According to Health Sec. Enrique Ona, the purpose of this alert status is to advise all health workers and hospitals nationwide to be on call and to monitor the situation while most Filipinos are busy for this season.

The said agency expects a surge of patient’s number especially those who will visit their love ones who passed away amid the dense number of people in the cemetery.

Ona stated that the usual health complaints during this season are dizziness, high blood, dehydration and other minor cases.

"The DOH-Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) will be monitoring the situation 24 hours to respond to various health emergencies that may need immediate medical attention," Ona said.

DoH also assured that they will coordinate to other agencies such as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the local government units (LGUs) for quick response during emergencies.

Meanwhile, almost 2,000 personnel of MMDA are assigned in vicinities of major cemeteries in Metro Manila until November 4.

Millions of people are expected to visit their deceased relatives particularly in Manila North, Manila South, Loyola Memorial Park in Manila and Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

Earlier, Philippine National Police (PNP) has been alerted to observe security in major terminals such as in Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City; EDSA-Cubao, EDSA-Pasay Taft; and Sampaloc in Manila due to those people who will return to their provinces.