Press Release | 23 March 2024

The Department of Health (DOH), in observance of Holy Week, raises Code White Alert from March 24, 2024 until March 31, 2024 as part of the preparations for the exodus of individuals and families going to provinces, tourist spots, and places of worship.

Code White Alert is declared during national events, holidays, or celebrations that can potentially cause mass casualty incidents or emergencies. During Code White Alert, identified medical personnel and staff are placed on standby for the immediate acceptance and treatment of incoming patients at hospitals.

Through its Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB), the DOH continues to conduct active monitoring. All DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs) in the regions are coordinating with their respective Regional or Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, especially in tourist attractions and religious areas.

The DOH strongly urges the public to be safe and healthy while observing the practices of Holy Week 2024: (1) Drink plenty of clean water to prevent dehydration; (2) Avoid prolonged exposure to heat to minimize effect of high temperature such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke; (3) Be aware of emerging diseases this dry season including sore eyes, prickly heat (bungang araw) rash, cough and colds, skin diseases, and vector borne diseases like Dengue; (4) Always supervise children when engaging in swimming or other water activities.

“The DOH family joins all Filipino families in the solemn and healthy observance of Holy Week 2024. Following instructions of President Marcos, hospitals are now on Code White Alert, always ready to care for patients in the event of any medical crisis. Let us pray and hope for continued safety and health for the country, dahil Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga,” stated Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

For urgent reports, the DOH HEMB-OpCen can be reached via mobile phone numbers 0917-8059756 or 0917-8619528, phone number (02) 8651-7800 local 2206/2207, or email [email protected].