Department of the Interior and Local Government – Aurora on June 03, 2020 conducted an orientation on the procedure on the Management of Human Remains for Patient Under Investigation (PUI) and Confirmed Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cases at the DILG Provincial Office participated by LGU partnered funeral parlors’ (FPs) owners and staffs in Central Aurora LGUs.

During the orientation, Atty. Ofelio A. Tactac, Jr., CESO V, Provincial Director of DILG Aurora, discussed the Memorandum Circular 2020-063, entitled, Interim Guidelines on the Management of Human Remains for Patient Under Investigation (PUI) and Confirmed Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cases which was used as the basis of the Provincial MDM Team to formulate procedures for possible adoption of component municipalities in handling of PUIs and COVID-19 positive remains from hospitals and from private homes taking into consideration existing applicable laws, regulations and protocols.

PD Tactac underscored: Safety culture in Funeral Parlors is a shared commitment on the safety on the part of the management, its staffs and the community. Department of Health (DOH) and all members of the task force has shared commitment in the safety of its frontline personnel and all the involved in adherence to safe work practices and reduced exposure to potentially infectious blood and body fluids. He also added, this is to enhance the infection prevention advocacy of the government.

Optional suggested decontamination and disinfection procedures were also being discussed during the orientation. Decontamination and disinfection procedure intends to prevent the transmission of infectious disease to healthcare personnel, and other involved in the procedure on the management of remains.

Moreover, LGOO II Madam Cassey Buenaventura and ADA VI Bon Paby Mingua demonstrated the suggested sequence of donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Also verified during the demonstration, one of the main concerns is appraising FPs dealing with hazardous materials and containing the material in a specific area and avoiding contamination elsewhere.         

Compliance with the strict procedure, including proper donning and doffing of PPE has a significant impact to reduce the risk of COVID-19-associated infections.