Recovered patients forced out of Luz isolation center

CEBU, Philippines — Recovered COVID-19 patients who opted to stay in barangay isolation center (BIC) in Barangay Luz, Cebu City were ordered to vacate the facility.

The 11 individuals were given two days to leave the BIC from the receipt of the letter. The notice was received by Roy Genares, spokesperson of the group, Saturday evening.

 “If you fail to vacate within the period, you will be arrested and charged for a criminal offense,” read the letter signed by Police Station 4 Chief Dindo Juanito Balili Alaras.

The letter, however, does not bear the official logo of the Philippine National Police and the police station.

This made the group question the authenticity of the letter.

The FREEMAN tried to reach Alaras for comment, but to no avail.

Genares also questioned the timing of the notice as it was served the day after he was interviewed by the media regarding their condition at the BIC and other COVID-related issues.

The 11 individuals decided to stay at the facility to attend to their isolated family members who are asymptomatic. The recovered patients are placed in a “transition room.”

Genares said they were “allowed” by the barangay to stay as no health workers are reportedly staying at the BIC, which houses at least 20 senior citizens and a minor who need assistance and care.

Barangay Luz Councilman Maynard Salinguhay confirmed that the 11 individuals were permitted to stay at the BIC, thinking the results of the rapid test would be released immediately.

Genares clarified though that they are willing to heed the order.

He, however, appealed to authorities and health officials to attend to the needs of the isolated patients.

Twenty-four of the first batch of patients have been staying at the BIC for 42 days now. They were tested positive for COVID-19 in a subsequent test.

They were again subjected to rapid and swab tests, along with the second batch of patients on May 18.

Results of batch 2 were released a few days after, but those of the first batch remain unavailable as of this writing, said Genares.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama, who sits as the City council's committee chair on health, said he will look into the issue.  KQD (FREEMAN)