HOSPITAL -DECLOGGING is expected with the opening of the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal isolation facility for coronavirus patients who are asymptomatic and with mild and moderate symptoms.
On Monday, officials of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 visited the facility at the South Harbor in Pier 15 of Manila’s Port Area.
The facility was initially intended to quarantine seafarers in crew change activities and Overseas Filipino Workers.
The treatment facility aims to decongest primary hospitals in Metro Manila.
Lawyer Jay Daniel Santiago, general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, said the isolation facility is equipped with the necessary equipment to make sure patients are properly taken care of.
"Sinisigurado po natin na kumpleto po ang kapasidad ng pasilidad na ito (We are making sure that the capacity of this facility is complete)," he said.
Retrofitting has been done in the isolation areas, with the 211-bed facility equipped with beds, portable toilets, cargo containers for showers, and open-air dining facilities.
Office of the Civil Defense Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said they will continue to provide necessary assistance for healthcare workers and other essential personnel who will man the isolation facility.
Jalad said the OCD will provide food to patients and healthcare workers, collect and dispose of waste materials, and bring necessary supplies.
The OCD will also shoulder the accommodation of healthcare workers who will be on duty.
"Ang budget na yan ay kukunin natin sa binigay sa atin na pondo ng Bayanihan 2 (The budget will be sourced out from our Bayanihan 2 fund)," he said.
Once the Bayanihan 2 funds are fully utilized, Jalad said the budget will be sourced out from the national risk reduction and management funds.
NTF deputy chief implementer and testing czar Sec. Vince Dizon said the opening of the new facility will contribute greatly to government efforts to isolate coronavirus patients.
"Alam naman natin, para makontrol natin ang Covid, lahat kailangan nating gawin (We know that to control the further spread of Covid-19, we need to do everything)," said Dizon.
Dizon reminded the public to be disciplined and continue observing health protocols such as wearing masks and face shields, practicing physical distancing, and regular handwashing.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III emphasized the importance of the “bayanihan” spirit and unity in these trying times.
"Hindi ho pwedeng tayo-tayo ang maghahanapan ng mali, maghahanapan ng kung ano mang babatikusin natin. Wala na ho tayong panahon sa mga ganun lalo na sa ganitong hamon na hinaharap natin. Kinakailangan laging nagkakaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino (We can't afford to find faults from each other, to look for things to criticize. We don't have time for such, especially in these challenging times. The Filipino people must always be united)," he said.
The government will also open a similar isolation facility at the Port of Capinpin in Orion, Bataan. (By Lade Jean Kabagani)
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