The City Government of Puerto Princesa is contemplating to buy more thermal scanners as part of its fight against the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In an interview with City Councilor Victor Oliveros this week, he said this plan is in line with the city’s declaration of state of public health emergency.
“Iyong thermal scanners po unang-una meron na tayo sa airport. Baka mag-purchase pa, kakailanganin pa natin eh. Actually napag-usapan na ‘yon. Not only for City Hall, sana dito sa City Hall meron. Ang suggestion ko nga sana kahit doon sa piyer pa and sana doon pa sa terminal natin kasi it is going to happen eh. [Sana] kung saan lahat may pintuan, kung saan lahat may pintuan ng come-and-go, ng [mga] padating,” said Oliveros.
Oliveros said it is important that crowded places where the public usually “come and go” must have a stationed thermal scanner.
Upon the declaration of state of public health emergency in Puerto Princesa Tuesday, March 10, the City Government has allotted alongside it a P75-million budget, which comes from the unutilized fund of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).
The City Government acquired its first thermal scanner last week of February, which became fully-operational starting first week of March at the domestic arrival area of the Puerto Princesa City International Airport (PPCIA).
In an earlier interview with City Health Office (CHO) director Dr. Ricardo Panganiban, he said this latest model equipment cost around P1.5 million.
Oliveros said he believes the budget to be used for purchase of additional thermal scanners will come from the fund allotted for preparation of the city towards strengthening its measures on prevention of the disease.
“Maari, I would believe na kasama ‘yong mga thermal scanners [soon sa P75-million fund], kasi kailangan natin ng dagdag na ganoon,” he said.
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