PR
The Quezon City government is set to open on Tuesday (March 31) a second temporary quarantine facility for persons under investigation (PUI) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Mayor Joy Belmonte disclosed that the quarantine facility, dubbed as Hope II, will be housed at the sprawling Quezon City University (QCU) Complex in Novaliches, Quezon City.
“The quarantine facility has a 168-bed capacity for PUIs who are unable to undergo self-quarantine in their respective homes,” said Belmonte.
Belmonte has worked for the establishment of additional quarantine facilities to help limit and control the spread of the disease in the communities.
The mayor recently raised alarm over the Department of Health (DOH) protocol mandating hospitals to send home PUIs and positive COVID-19 patients showing mild symptoms for strict self-isolation and close monitoring.
“We cannot effectively control the spread of the virus if we send home PUIs and positive COVID-19 patients without the means to self-quarantine.” said Belmonte
Patients admitted to HOPE II will be provided meals, an isolated space, personal hygiene kits, proper medication and will be ensured to be given attention by medical health professionals as they undergo the prescribed quarantine.
Aside from controlling the spread of COVID-19, Hope II will help limit the exposure of health workers and community members to the deadly virus.
“This would also help maximize the availability of hospital beds for patients who are in dire need of hospitalization,” said Belmonte.
Earlier, the local government established Hope-1, a 49-room alternative medical facility designed to isolate and monitor identified PUIs and COVID-19 patients.
As of Sunday, Hope-1 houses 10 COVID-19 positive patients and 24 PUIs.
