National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon announced the Philippines has reached one million tests in the country ahead of the deadline set by the NTF which is at the end of July.
The NTF also launched its new program “Oplan Kalinga” for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 positive patients who do not have adequate facilities for home quarantine. Under current home quarantine guidelines, an individual must have his or her own room and comfort room, and is not accompanied by vulnerable individuals. In case patients fail to meet one of the set rules, they will be sent to mega isolation facilities of the national government for free accommodation with aircon, Wi-fi, and nurses. This has already been practiced by Navotas and Malabon.
There are now 70,000 beds in 8,000 isolation facilities. Another quarantine center in Fort Magsaysay with more than 500 beds is set to open.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said they aim to decongest high-level hospitals for them to focus on critical cases through the new project.
– Report from Naomi Tiburcio
