UP Diliman opens new isolation unit

The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman has converted the newly-renovated Molave Residence Hall into a new community isolation unit.

The Silungang Molave (SiM) is a 24/7 facility with 39-bed capacity — 20 for mild COVID-19 cases and 19 for suspected and probable cases.

Male and female patients are placed in separate wards, with a special zone designated for asymptomatic patients.

To ensure public safety, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs diverted vehicular traffic away from the section of Magsaysay Avenue in front of SiM so that only authorized persons will have to pass there.

Dr. Elizadora T. Yu of the UP Diliman COVID-19 Task Force Public Engagement Subcommittee said SiM is "well-ventilated and patients will not crowd" as isolation rooms are spaced out.

UP Health Service (UPHS) Acting Director Dr. Jesusa Catabui said in a news release that proper procedures regarding hand hygiene, wearing of personal protective equipment, and physical distancing will also be strictly enforced among SiM staff.

"They won't eat together, won't congregate in rooms, etc. We will assure that proper donning and doffing of PPE and disposal of biowaste will be done properly," she added.

Catabui gave the assurance that healthcare workers in SiM will be properly supplied with PPE and other medical equipment.

Patients who want to be admitted can visit or call the UPHS Emergency Room at 8981-8500 local 111 for initial screening. Priority will be given to UPD students, faculty, staff, and residents of Barangay UP Campus.

The facility will only admit patients between 20 to 60 years old, that are not pregnant, and with no comorbidities. Upon admission, patients who have not been tested will undergo swab testing.

The facility is under the technical supervision of the Quezon City Health Department.