Roxas on Ebola preparedness: ‘Better ready than sorry’
This undated file image made available by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows the Ebola virus. AP PHOTO/CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas on Thursday called on all local executives to get ready for possible outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Philippines.
“It’s better to be prepared for any possibility than be sorry in the end,” Roxas said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government followed suit after the Department of Health and the Armed Forces of the Philippines made their own preparations against the Ebola virus.
On November 11, more than 100 Filipino Peacekeepers from Liberia, a country that is suffering from the Ebola virus, will return to the country. They will be quarantined in an “island paradise.”
The DOH will oversee the medical operations on the island which is located near the Luzon landmass.
“Local government units must keep their communication lines open at all times so they can coordinate with us and other agencies for a more effective response,” Roxas said.
“We cannot afford to risk the lives of our constituents because of insincerity, carelessness and lack of safeguards. Everyone will have to be on board and get ready to be mobilized.”
