BDH INTENSIFIES AWARENESS on 2019-nCoV ARD
By: Venus F. Avecilla, GPC–BDH | Photo By: Mhark Parchamento | Date: January 27, 2020
2019-nCoV ARD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH) Infection Control and Prevention Officer Dr. Ana Claire P. Buyagao briefs patients on how to reduce the risk of acquiring 2019-Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD) during her lecture at the BDH out-patient department on January 27, 2020. She emphasized the importance of maintaining clean hands by washing with soap and water or hand rub with alcohol-based products to avoid the spread of infection. This awareness lecture will be regularly conducted once a week at the hospital’s out-patient department.
“One of the social responsibilities of a hospital is to warn patients and the public of the health threats brought about by the 2019-Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD),” said Infection Control and Prevention Officer Dr. Ana Claire P. Buyagao of Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH) during her lecture at the BDH out-patient department on January 27, 2020.
Dr. Buyagao provided patients and their companions an overview about the 2019-nCoV ARD infection which is a global health concern that started in Wuhan, China.
She highlighted in her lecture the basic daily preventive actions that can reduce the risk of acquiring 2019-nCoV ARD infection which include washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, if soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used; avoidance of touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoidance of close contact with people who are sick, and stay at home when sick; covering of nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing; proper disposal of soiled tissue in the trash; and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Dr. Buyagao also added the importance of food safety stating that meat products must be properly handled during food preparation. She advised to use different chopping boards and knives for raw meat and vegetables. Hands must be washed between handling raw and cooked food. Above all, she reiterated to cook food thoroughly. She also warned those working in and going to wet markets and those handling animals to be more cautious.
This 2019-nCoV ARD awareness lecture will be regularly conducted once a week at the hospital’s out-patient department.
