DOH slams quarantine skippers, vows liability
THE Department of Health (DOH) slammed on Thursday, December 30, the alleged skipping of quarantine protocols by some individuals, while vowing to hold them accountable for violating coronavirus disease (Covid-19) policies.
In a statement, the DOH said it is unacceptable that some international travelers supposedly skipped the mandatory quarantine to be able to attend a mass gathering.
“The DOH appeals to everyone: now is not the time to relax and deliberately put others in danger,” said the DOH.
“We remind everyone to exert utmost care in participating in gatherings and/or organizing gatherings, particularly when it will involve individuals, who have recent travel or exposure history,” it added.
The DOH said this is because doing so will put to naught the hard work and sacrifices done by everyone over the past two years.
“The entire nation worked so hard to keep our cases down… (There are) sacrifices we make so that we can recover from the pandemic, return to work, and safely open up schools and establishments,” it said.
The statement came after allegations went viral on social media regarding a returning overseas Filipino who supposedly skipped the quarantine protocols to attend a party in a bar in Makati City.
The returning Filipino later tested positive for coronavirus and was subsequently transferred to an isolation facility.
The health department said it is already working with other relevant government agencies in holding accountable those that violated the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act of 2018.
“We shall ensure that violators shall be dealt with in accordance with the law,” said the DOH.
It also appealed to the general public to report such actions in a bid to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
“We encourage the public to report individuals, establishments, or LGUs violating quarantine protocols to local authorities to ensure its proper implementation and further prevent transmission of Covid-19,” said the DOH. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)
