Cebu City preparing COVID-19 centers in case upward trend in new cases continues

CEBU, Philippines —  With rising number of new COVID-19 cases observed in recent weeks, Cebu City is preparing its isolation facilities anew for asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms.

 The Department of Health (DOH)-7 said earlier that Central Visayas is experiencing a third wave of infections.

“Mangandam ta kay as we all know, naa pa man si COVID, so we are in a roller coaster ride — mosaka, moubos. Mangandam gyud ta pirmi,” said Councilor Joel Garganera, deputy chief implementer of Cebu City’s Emergency Operations Center.

Based on data from DOH-7, Cebu City has a total of 1,133 active cases after recording 56 new cases on July 12, 2021.

Garganera said there are around 400 operational beds in three barangay isolation centers (BICs) in City Central School and in Barangays Mabolo and Zapatera.

Aside from these, around 600 beds from five other BICs are also on standby in the event the number of cases will continue to rise.

“Dili sa nato ablihan kay okay pa man ta. Okay pa man ta sa 400 kapin nato,” Garganera said.

BICs are intended to cater to asymptomatic patients.

Meanwhile, patients with mild to moderate symptoms will be brought to the Cebu City Quarantine Center (CCQC) at the North Reclamation Area.

Garganera said there are still at least 90 vacant beds in the Level 2 facility.

“When you talk about those nga naay gipang-mulo, naa na siya sa CCQC karon. As of now, karon, aduna tay bakante nga 92 sa CCQC, mga 58 karon ang nasulod didto,” Garganera said.

Garganera explained that CCQC is important because it serves as the “step down facility” for hospital patients who have recovered from their ailment or injury, but tested positive for COVID-19 when swabbed which is the protocol of hospitals for admission.

“Naay uban nga wala pa maayo sa COVID, pero ang ilang mulo nga giadto didto (hospital) due for discharge na sila nya di man sila kadiritso sa balay… so step down gyud na sila og usa ka facility nga naa gyud doctor nga mag-monitor,” he said.

Considering also that other facilities like the Bayanihan Center, IEC, and NOAH Complex are no longer used for isolation, Garganera said the city is now coordinating with a hotel that can be used as a quarantine facility.

“Naa nami gi-studyhan nga usa ka hotel nga kami ang mohatag og personnel. Nangayo sab mi og tabang sa DOH nga just in case of any eventualities ba, motaas gyud atong kaso diri sa mga hospital, naa tay step down aside from CCQC. Kaning mangandam lang ta, pero nag-ampo gud ta nga dili ni siya magamit,” said Garganera.

Garganera is continuously reminding the public to remain vigilant and follow the minimum health protocols amid the current spike of cases in the city. — JMO (FREEMAN)