Philippines
National
Unused dormitories in Makati school converted by PH Red Cross into isolation facility
Unused dormitories in Makati school converted by PH Red Cross into isolation facility
To serve asymptomatic patients from the City of Makati, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has partnered with the Makati local government unit (LGU) and converted unused dormitories in Makati Science High School (MSHS) into a 56-bed capacity isolation facility.
During a virtual Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on Tuesday, May 18, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard J. Gordon said that newly-opened PRC Isolation Facility is only one among the various initiatives dedicated to enhancing the management of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
“The battle against COVID-19 is far from over,” Gordon said. “This action by the PRC along with the different LGUs in Metro Manila is to separate the asymptomatic spreaders to prevent the spread of the virus and beat this invisible enemy,” he added.
The project was also in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and The Netherlands Red Cross.
A virtual MOA signing between PRC and the City of Makati highlighted the opening of the 56-bed isolation facility on the MSHS campuses. It was also attended by PRC Secretary Gen Elizabeth Zavalla, PRC Governor John Tiong and Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay.
During the event, Binay thanked the PRC for the partnership. She also noted that as a matter of policy, the city does not allow the use of classrooms as isolation facilities. “These do not have facilities like showers so we’re using the dormitories right now and we’re planning to use the other facilities for vaccination,” she explained.
The PRC equipped the isolation facility with beds, blankets, pillows, bed covers, and stand fans.
In addition, PRC will provide each patient with a quarantine kit that contains essential items good for 7 to 14 days. Similarly, the personal protective equipment (PPE) of the staff caring for these patients will similarly be issued by PRC.
Binay said that one of MSHS Isolation Facility’s special features is that it offers a “family room for households with four to six members who are first-degree relatives or living in the same household.” The isolation facility is also equipped with a treatment room with two medical beds, oxygen tank, and emergency supplies.
Meanwhile, Gordon also thanked Binay for partnering with PRC. “Amid great uncertainty, only one thing remains certain - that we can stop the spread of the virus as long as we join forces and work hand in hand. Individually we are strong but together, we are unstoppable,” he added.