DAVAO CITY — The city government of Davao is preparing for a possible surge in cases of the coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) as the city shifts to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) starting Saturday, May 16.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in a statement released by the City Information Office said that the easing up of restrictions under GCQ is expected to trigger more cases because more people are allowed outside of their homes. In fact, the city government has already negotiated for additional isolation facilities and even helping hospitals acquire permits to do Covid-19 testing.
As of May 15, there are a total of 503 beds in 11 of the city’s different partner facilities, such as Queensland, RMC Petro Gazz Arena. “Sa pagka karon we have 503 beds across 11 facilities. Katong ika 12 facility nato is bago lang sila nag inspection,” she said.
Aside from this, four private hospitals are also tapped by the city government to accommodate Covid-19 cases in the event the capacity of the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) to accept is exhausted.
Despite the transition to GCQ, Duterte-Carpio said lockdowns remain an option for the city government, especially if an area registers more cases.
“Apil na siya sa atoang pillars (lockdowns) if you can remember mao na siya atong gina pangandaman during sa ECQ. Remember naa didto sa atoang isolate (guideline) ang three types of lockdown — the house lockdown, street lockdown, and compound lockdowns,” she added.
The city has registered 179 Covid-19 positive cases since the outbreak in the country started. Of the number, 72 remain being treated, 25 died and 82 recovered.– with reports from CIO
