Poe is Looking for a Text Blast on COVID-19 Alerts as Cases Grow

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 06:16 am

Public updates on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should be made on a regular basis via text-based warnings, as the number of infected people in the Philippines soared to 24 on Monday, according to Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday.

The initial step to contain a virus is to provide information on it via all available means. Improving the spread of information would help to combat false reporting and prevent mass hysteria.

In times of calamity, mobile phone service providers are required to provide alerts at regular intervals under the Republic Act 10639 or the’ Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act,’ according to the senator.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 is a catastrophe or calamity under the relevant legislation, particularly after it has been declared a health emergency by the WHO and the President, respectively.

Poe said that the blast text will be enforced in conjunction with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Board.

It also contains updates on how to avoid further spread of the virus, she said.

The Philippines has reported 24 cases of COVID-19 as of Monday night. President Rodrigo Duterte has already declared an emergency in the area of public health.