DPWH completes Legazpi Covid-19 isolation facility
By Rhaydz B. Barcia
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol has completed the construction of an P18.5-million modified standard coronavirus facility that can accommodate 24 patients to beef up the health facilities in Legazpi City.
Richard De Jesus, DPWH Albay 2nd District Engineering Office spokesperson, said that the construction of one-storey modified standard health facility made of a container van in the Ibalong Centrum Compound worth P18.5 million was funded by the DPWH Quick Response Fund.
De Jesus said the DPWH started construction of the new Covid-19 facility on Dec. 4, 2020 and the same was completed on Mar. 3, this year.
“The newly built health facility aims to prevent and control local transmission of the virus. This is part of the government’s Covid-19 response to augment bed capacity nationwide. DPWH will continue building more health facilities as additional support to local government units,” De Jesus said.
The isolation facility with 24-bed capacity is equipped with air conditioning units, beds, individual comfort rooms, adequate lighting and ventilation, uninterrupted electricity supply, and potable water source.
A medical station for nurses and doctors was included in the facility to effectively care, manage and attend to patients.
Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said the new isolation facility will serve patients classified as moderate cases.
“We want to ensure that our fellowmen suffering from coronavirus are safe and could be treated in conducive health facilities. We are grateful to DPWH Bicol and Cong. Joey Sarte Salceda, our partners in our fight against the global pandemic,” Rosal said.
Salceda said new facility will augment the city’s isolation and quarantine requirements for new and active Covid-19 cases.
Salceda said that the facility, made of a 40-foot container van, has a nurse and doctor’s room and quarters for frontline workers that will help address the inadequate health facilities in the city.
Earlier, Mayor Noel Rosal ordered the closure of Sawangan Park, Legazpi City Boulevard, Lignon Hill and other outdoor activities in Barangay Pinaric as well as Estanza for 15 days to contain the spread of the virus.
The closure of public places took effect from Apr. 14 to 29.
“This is just for us. It’s dangerous if we can’t control this. Just follow our advisory. We have alarming and increasing cases. If possible, only essential and APOR will go out of the house. I will be strict in the curfew hours and non-wearing of masks. This has a penalty as per city ordinance,” Rosal said.
The city government of Legazpi imposes P2,000 fine for first offense up to P5,000 for the third offense including imprisonment for individuals not wearing facemasks and face shields outside their houses. Curfew was also enforced from 11:00 PM till 4:00 AM here.
A similar measure was also imposed by Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro in Tabaco City.