Baguio City NewsCOVID-19

Guidelines for Medical Clinics, Dental Clinics, and Laboratories Operating in Baguio City

Only a few establishments are permitted to operate in Baguio City while it is still under Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) until May 15, 2020. With this, the City Government of Baguio, through the City Health Services Office (CHSO), created a plan after series of consultation regarding health standards and guidelines for laboratories that will open to cater patients.

Must Observed Guidelines

Clinics and laboratories in Baguio City must strictly observe the following protocols.


1. Clinics and Laboratories must strictly implement practices that are consistent with the principles of standard COVID-19 responses, particularly social distancing, and the wearing of face masks, face shields, and sneeze guards;

2. Prior to any consultation, clinics and laboratories, are advised to undertake triage vie remote means, (e.g., Telephone calls, online consultation, or electronic messaging) to determine the following:

  • If the patient has experienced recent, or is experiencing, flu-like symptoms (FLS) such as, but not limited to, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In such case, the patient must be referred to nay hospital with a triage unit for further disposition and advice.
  • If service can be given remotely, and the physical consult can be deferred until such time that the ECQ is lifted.
  • If it has been determined that a physical consult is necessary, the schedule for an appointment can be set;
  • Electronics prescriptions shall be provided in accordance with the Advisory issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board on 16th of March 2020;
  • Physicians with multiple clinic branches are advised to meet their patient at only one clinic to prevent risk of exposure to COVID-19;

3. As may be practicable, clinics and laboratories must only meet patient that have prior scheduled and confirmed appointments for non-influenza like illnesses. Walk-in patients during the ECQ are discouraged.

4. In order to ensure compliance with strict health standards, the following practices are must be implemented:

  • To ensure social distancing in the premises, only three (3) patients at any given time shall be allowed in the clinic waiting area, and only a maximum of ten (10) appointments shall be allowed per day;
  • Each patient may be assisted by only 1 companion;
  • Clinics and laboratories are advised to adopt a strict “No Mask, No Entry” policy;
  • Seventy percent (70%) alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be made available to patients and personnel at common areas throughout the clinic premises (e.g., reception, waiting area, examination area, laboratory counters, etc.);
  • Whenever possible, hand-washing with antibacterial/ antimicrobial soap and water is strongly encouraged;
  • During the consult and/or examinations, all medical personnel must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In instances where the patient is suspected of having FLS, or where the patient must undergo procedures that may produce aerosols, all individuals in the area must wear the appropriate level of PPEs (e.g., N95 masks, face shields, and sneeze guards). In all other cases, surgical masks and other standard sanitation measures are appropriate;
  • Clinics and laboratories shall be mandated to provide adequate PPEs for their respective personnel;
  • In observance of these health standards, physical and spatial adjustments such as, but not limited to, placing sneeze guards at appropriate areas (e.g., reception counters, etc.), adequate spaces in the seating arrangements in the waiting area, and installing makeshift walls to partition examination areas shall be implanted;
  • Managers must identify appropriate rotation of personnel to ensure an effective workforce while at the same time reduce crowding in the medical premises. A schedule of one (1) physician per clinic duty, operating for a maximum time of 3 hours a day, twice a week is recommended. Clinic duty time slots may be as follows:
    • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
    • 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    • 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • As may be practicable, consultation times should be limited to fifteen (15) minutes;
  • Patients shall appear at the medical establishments on the date and time in their confirmed appointments. Clinic and laboratory personnel shall be responsible for coordinating with patients regarding their preferred appointment schedule;
  • Clinics and laboratory managers must prepare and implement a disinfection plan stating the protocols for cleaning and disinfecting facilities and equipment (e.g., disinfection of entire medical establishments at least twice a day, disinfection of examination rooms between patients; reinforcement of standard protocols for disinfecting medical equipment);
  • Notices of instruction regarding these health standards, and information dissemination materials in proper mask use, cough etiquette, hand washing practices, and other personal hygiene practices must be placed in easily visible areas of the clinic or laboratory premises;
  • Clinics and laboratories must ensure that all medical personnel and support staff within their purview are sufficiently oriented on their respective roles and responsibilities in implementing COVID-19 management measures;

5. Although patients with recent and/or current FLS should already have been screened through remote triage, clinic and laboratory personnel are encouraged to remain vigilant and observe patients in the medical establishments for any signs of FLS.

6. All clinics, laboratories, and other establishments offering health and health-related services must institute Teleworking/Telemedicine strategies in their own facilities/clinics;

7. Human resource policies in relation employment benefits such as, but not limited to, leaves and hazard pay, should be reviewed and implemented in accordance it with Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan To Heal as One Act”, and other pertinent laws, Proclamations, Administrative Orders, and Memorandum Circular;

8. Managers of clinics and laboratories are encouraged to participate in, contribute to, policy formation processes as a response to the COVID-19 Health Emergency.

The advisory is applied within Baguio City’s:

  • Physician Clinics
  • Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat (EENT) Clinics
  • Dental Clinics
  • Optometry Clinics
  • Laboratories (public or private)

Inquiries and Clarifications

CHSO Hotlines

Globe: 0916 797 4397

Smart: 0918 488 0195

SOURCE: Public Information Office – City of Baguio

 

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