P100-M Facility Starts Accepting ‘Mild’ Covid-19 Patients

The PHP100-million patient care center (PCC) at the North Reclamation Area (NRA) here Friday began accepting patients with mild to moderate symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

It is the second isolation center to be opened here to cater to those with mild symptoms. The first, the Bayanihan Cebu Field Center – Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu along Gen. Maxilom Avenue, supported by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, began accepting patients last Tuesday.

Mayor Edgardo Labella said the facility’s design strictly followed the protocols and standards set by the Department of Health (DOH).

It has 200 beds that are separated in cubicles and the building will be equipped with a negative pressure ventilation system to block the airborne transmission of the virus and prevent contaminated air from escaping the facility, Labella said.

The facility, he said, will be fully furnished with hospital equipment used in isolating and treating patients with mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19.

Labella, meanwhile, brushed aside criticism from Vice Mayor Michael Rama who questioned the alleged delay in the use of the facility as the coronavirus transmission in the city continues to increase daily.

In his post on social media, Rama said the facility was supposed to be completed in 10 days.

He lamented the alleged slow action of the city in combating the Covid-19 crisis.

“That’s his (Rama) opinion and we have a job to do. We will stay focused and not be affected by any comment,” Labella said.

The opening of the NRA facility came amid the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) report late Thursday on 18 new infections — 15 from Sitio Callejon, Barangay Labangon; one from Sitio Tinabangay, Alaska, Mambaling; and two from the Cebu City Jail.

As of Thursday, Cebu City had 328 Covid-19-positive cases, with 16 patients who have tested as laboratory negative, and zero death.

On the same day, the total number of Covid-19 cases in Labangon spiked to 28, from 13 on Wednesday, prompting Labangon village chief, Victor Buendia, to order the strengthening of the barangay-wide lockdown to prevent further viral contagion.

The increase of Covid-19 cases started in Sitio Zapatera, Barangay Luz with 139 positive cases, according to the CCHD report.

Zapatera residents who are considered “infected” are now in an isolation facility in nearby Barrio Luz National High School, while those living in bigger houses are allowed to stay in tightly-watched home quarantine. (PNA)