Table 2 Illustrative quotations of key activities implemented by International Care Ministries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Activity | Illustrative quotation |
|---|---|
Ensuring adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene supplies | “So, we have supply coming from Manila, from the national office, we have some donation but you know the challenge is when it takes time to arrive in the province but as you know, with this face mask, alcohol, the face shield you know other companies and other providers they already contacted us if you have the supply, if you need this so we can give you a good price on that. So, before we implemented the program, we made it sure that we have the supply,” PS008_Branch Head. |
Providing contextualized and role-specific infection prevention and control (IPC) training | “Our training it’s good for us because we know that we cannot see our enemy, so we have, um knowledge about the protocol about COVID-19… you can spread the contamination of the virus if ever your participants have flu or a cough, so much better that there is a social distancing so that the contamination of the virus cannot go directly to you,” PS030_Health Coordinator |
Ensuring access to testing for all staff | “At first, I had fear because as what could you see in the tv, social media, news, all the negative things about swab testing especially when the test schedule is getting closer but when I tried it, it’s not really that painful, that other say that it will bleed, it didn’t and it was only mild. I really appreciate ICM for the welfare of the staff that when we go to the community, I need to be sure that I cannot infect them and my family. ICM also provides the payment that you will not spend any single peso from your wallet. And that is for the safety purposes both to the community and me,” PS017_Livelihood coordinator |
Providing support during quarantine or isolation | “After I was tested positive, ICM provided groceries to my family for 2 weeks… Our area head said, I will just ask them if I need counselling. They can provide that [also],” PS014_Health trainer. |