By Armando Fenequito Jr.
DAVAO CITY - The city government is now bracing for the possible surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, now that the city is under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said, in an interview over 87.5 Davao City Disaster Radio, loosening up the restrictions under a GCQ is expected to add to the number of positive cases since more people will now be allowed to go outside their homes.
Duterte underscored that, despite the transition to GCQ, ordering lockdowns will remain as an option for the city government, especially if an area registers COVID-19 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 diri (This is included in our pillars if you can still remember this is what we preapred for during the Enhanced Community Quarantine. Remember it is stated in our guidelines what are three types of lockdown)," she said.
The three lockdowns stated in their guidelines will be for areas covering the house, street, or compound.
Duterte said the city was also increasing the number of isolation facilities, and was helping other hospitals to acquire permits to conduct COVID-19 testing.
She said, as of May 15, the city has already 503 beds in 11 different partner facilities, such as Queensland and RMC Petro Gazz Arena.
Duterte said aside from this, four private hospitals were also tapped by the city government to accommodate COVID-19 cases in the event the capacity of the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) will be exhausted.
The city has registered 179 COVID-19 positive cases since the outbreak in the country started. Of that total, 72 were still admitted in hospital, while 25 have died, and 82 have already recovered.