To be able to assist those who use Covid-19 self-testing kits who turn positive for the virus, the health services office of the city government here has opened a platform that will allow an individual to report his condition.

Aileen Refuerzo, chief city information officer, told the Philippine News Agency “hindi na kasi lahat nagpapa-test sa center at may mga nag-a-avail na ng self-testing kits pero gusto pa rin ma-assure ng city na maayos ang condition nila (not all persons go to the testing centers for Covid-19 testing with some using self-testing kits, but the city would like to assure that they are in good condition).”

Any individual who tests positive using a self-testing kit can click the link: https://bit.ly/3A4z8qV to report.

A city advisory last week said: “If you are a parent, legal guardian, or authorized caregiver, you can fill in this form for your child or someone you care for. If you are a health professional, you can complete the online form on behalf of your patient or client. Answering these questions will help keep you and our city safe. Please answer honestly and completely so we can make sure you get the right support. Your personal information is kept safe and is protected by legislation. Information is only shared where needed to protect public health.”

Since the first quarter of the year, the city has been providing self-testing kits at the barangays that residents can buy if they want to check themselves and see if they are positive or negative for the virus.

Some pharmacies have also started to sell the items to make the testing accessible and easier for individuals to check their health situation.

Refuerzo said the city government does not prohibit self-testing, and in fact encourages individuals to personally look at their condition in order to make the appropriate actions.

She also said the city health officials believe many are testing positive for Covid-19 but are no longer reporting because most of them are in home isolation.

“Gusto pa rin malaman ng city para ma-provide sa pasyente ang possible medical assistance kung may kailangan o di kaya makapagbigay ng ayuda pero ang pinaka-importante, gusto ng city malaman ang condition ng mga kasama sa bahay at kapamilya lalo na ang mga high-risk para hindi rin kumalat ang sakit kahit na hindi na ito masyadong nakakatakot (the city wants to know so that it can extend assistance to a patient who might need medical assistance if needed or to give food packs but more importantly, the city government wants to know the condition of the household members and the relatives to avoid the further spread of the virus),” Refuerzo said.

Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, the assistant city health officer, in an earlier interview said the city provides teleconsultation and medical monitoring for those in home isolation.

She said most patients with mild infection opt to stay at home and manage their situation like ordinary flu.

“We have services, we can assist without having to bring the patient to the city’s isolation facility or in a hospital,” Brillantes said.

She added that the 16 district health centers covering 128 barangays are continuously assisting and monitoring patients aside from providing mobile testing and mobile vaccination services.

Brillantes also noted that the city’s triage facility at the Baguio Convention Center continues to operate 24/7 for those in need of any service. (PNA)

Photo Credit: www.baguio.gov.ph