DOH: Hospitals in NCR, nearby regions on Code White from Jan. 6-10

Hospitals in Metro Manila and nearby regions are under Code White Alert from January 6 to 10, 2025, in anticipation of health emergencies amid the celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno and the annual Traslacion. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the Health Department said this is to ensure that all designated medical personnel, equipment and facilities in NCR and neighboring regions such as Central Luzon and CALABARZON are on standby to quickly respond to emergencies or related incidents on health during large religious gatherings.

In last year’s Nazareno, some 6.5 million people participated in the Traslacion or the procession of the Jesus Nazarene image from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church, according to church officials.

With this, DOH will also coordinate with partner agencies and the Local Government of Manila to assign medical teams and health stations in the main areas of the Traslacion route, including Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P.Casal, and Quinta Market.

Moreover, a total of 201 personnel from the Health Emergency Response Team (HERT) of 20 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila will be deployed.

“Ang mga itinalagang health station sa kahabaan ng ruta ng Traslacion ay magbibigay ng basic at advanced care ayon sa pangangailangan. Nakaantabay rin ang mga ambulansya para sa agarang pagdadala ng mga pasyente sa ospital. Ang mga pasilidad tulad ng JRRMMC, TMC, at iba pang ospital ng DOH sa NCR ay handang tumanggap ng mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng mas masusing atensyong medikal,” it said.

(Designated health stations along the Traslacion route are capable of providing basic and advanced care as needed. Ambulances are also on standby for immediate transport of patients to the hospital. Facilities including the JRRMMC, TMC, and other DOH hospitals in NCR are ready to receive patients who require more thorough medical attention.)

The DOH also emphasized the importance for devotees to follow health and safety precautions during Traslacion.

“Hinihikayat ang mga deboto na kung may ubo o sipon at hindi maganda ang pakiramdam, iwasan na muna ang magpunta sa Traslacion para hindi lumala ang kondisyon at mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit,” it said.

(Devotees are encouraged that if they have a cough or cold symptoms and do not feel well, they should avoid attending the Traslacion so their condition does not worsen and prevent the spread of diseases.)

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa ensured that, along with partner agencies, the DOH is ready to respond to any medical emergencies and provide immediate care.

“Hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng debotong makipagtulungan, maging mapagmatyag, at unahin ang kanilang kalusugan sa makabuluhang pagdiriwang na ito," he added.

(We encourage all devotees to cooperate, be observant and prioritize their health in light of this significant celebration.) —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News