Updates from the May 26, 2020 IATF-EID Briefing
1. CLARIFICATIONS ON OPENING SCHOOLS
• Until there is no vaccine and no new normal (i.e. no community quarantine), face-to-face classroom will not be allowed.
• Blended learning will be implemented (TV, radio, and internet) to continue educational activities.
2. CONTACT TRACING
• Contact tracing efforts to be led by the DILG
• DICT is working on a nationwide integrated contact tracing app.
• DOST’s FASSSTER is recommended to LGUs as a platform to get a better sense of the information at the local level.
3. BAGUIO CITY AS A MODEL FOR CONTACT TRACING (CT)
• Seamless collaboration between law enforcement, investigators, and health authorities.
• Extensive testing is critical to CT. The use of rapid tests enhances contact tracing.
• Transparency and speed are indispensable. Positive patients are encouraged to disclose details.
• Cognitive interviewing skills is key to efficient collection of information. These will involve a 14-day training of investigators; improving the ability of investigators to help interviewees in recalling incidents in the last 14-days; and easing the anxiety of interviewees.
• Use of technology (e.g. analytical tools, GIS, and link analysis)
• Successful CT is highly dependent on quality of information.
• There is no substitute to being proactive.
4. ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATIONS
• Update on MCQ status to be deliberated by the IATF tomorrow.
• No OFW is allowed to return without negative PCR test results. If LGUs will require returning residents to undergo quarantine upon their return, it is recommended that quarantine is done at the barangay level for proximity to their families.
• The second tranche of the SAP will be given to 12 million families under ECQ and MCQ and 5 million from the waitlisted or left-out families.