DOH launched the DOH COVID-19 emergency hotlines 02-894-COVID (02-894-26843) and 1555 in partnership with the National Emergency Hotline of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc.
 
Callers can ask questions if they suspect they are infected with COVID-19, or request assistance if they have symptoms and/or known exposure to confirmed cases or patients under investigation. The information collected from emergency calls is transmitted to the COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center and other relevant agencies for immediate facilitation and response.
 
 “As we enhance our efforts to contain this disease, we are working with both the public and private sectors, which can provide the facilities and the technical expertise to address the many challenges that we face each day. We expect an influx of calls in the first few days of the launch of the call center. We ask for the public’s cooperation and patience to allow only relevant and important calls to go through.  In that way,  we can provide timely medical assistance to those who really need it,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.    
 
“Our collaboration with DOH and 911 is part of our continuing efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. We hope that with our services, we can help provide much-needed information that will enable health authorities to deliver proper patient diagnosis and treatment and ultimately stop the spread of this disease,” said PLDT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan. 
 
“Our health workers undertake tremendous tasks and make sacrifices worthy of recognition, which is why we in other sectors of government are ready to support our heroes in the frontlines,” remarked Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año.
 
The free 24/7 services will be available through 02-894-COVID. Smart and PLDT subscribers will also be able to use the 1555 hotline for free. Subscribers from other networks can access the 1555 hotline once technical adjustments are completed.