THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday asked the Commission on Elections to alter its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety protocols by referring symptomatic voters to local government units after they have cast their votes on May 9.
In an online roundtable discussion, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it would be good if the Comelec will refer those voting in isolation polling places (IPP) to their respective LGUs for proper procedures.
“It is better if they are tested by LGUs, quarantined, and released if negative or managed if positive,” Vergeire said.
Doing so, Vergeire added, will prevent such voters from transmitting the virus in case they have COVID-19.
Under existing Comelec protocols, all voters are required to undergo health screening and temperature checks prior to entering voting centers.
Subsequently, those detected to have symptoms of COVID-19 will be directed to the IPPs, where they will cast their votes.
Aside from referral to LGUs, the DOH said the Comelec should also designate safety officers in each voting center to augment the services of marshals.
Vergeire also said the Comelec should set time limits for voters’ stay inside polling precincts.
“Sometimes, it takes too long for persons to cast their votes. They stay on to talk to other voters. It may be necessary to set time limits to avoid crowding inside classrooms,” she said.
