Baguio expands COVID temporary treatment and monitoring capacity

BAGUIO CITY, Aug.1 (PIA) - - The City Government of Baguio is now working on expanding the capacity of its Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF) for COVID – 19 asymptomatic and mild patients  as well as suspect cases that have no ample isolation space at home.

City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo reported that the city government is currently doing renovations at the Sto. Niño Hospital, a DOH TTMF accredited facility, to expands its current 45 bed capacity to 80.

Sto Niño is being shared to other hospitals in Baguio for confirmed cases that are either asymptomatic or with mild symptoms and for isolation of suspect cases. To date the facility is housing seven patients – three confirmed and four suspect cases, she said. 

Galpo also shared that with the city government’s goal of having 150 bed capacity for temporary treatment and monitoring, work is also now ongoing for the re-classification of the Teacher’s Camp from a temporary holding area for Overseas Filipino Workers to a DOH – accredited TTMF.  With its 129-bed capacity, Baguio can reach the required 1 per 2,500 population ratio.

There are currently seven OFWs in the facility, five from Baguio City and two from Mountain Province, she added

City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo  calls for  continuing cooperation of everyone in the COVID - 19 control and prevention measures of the City Government of Baguio. (CCD/PIA CAR)

On COVID – 19 update, Galpo reports that as of their July 29 data, Baguio City has recorded total confirmed cases of 102, where 48 are active, 52 recoveries and 2 deaths.

She assured that at present that through the Baguio City General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and five other private hospitals in Baguio, COVID case control and management is still manageable with a current Critical Care Utilization Rate of 30.77 percent.

As cases are still expected to increase with more risk – based testing being conducted and the easing up of community quarantine and movement of locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipino, Galpo reiterated the city government’s appeal for everyone’s cooperation, especially on the observance of the minimum health standards that include regular and proper use of face mask, regular handwashing and physical distancing.

She also reminds the 3Cs on COVID prevention that are being advocated by the health sector- avoid   Closed spaces and those with poor ventilation, Close Contact and Crowding. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)   

 

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)