By Chito Chavez  The Quezon City government said it will open on March 31, Tuesday, the city’s second temporary quarantine facility for persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19. Quezon City (QC) Mayor Joy Belmonte
(Facebook / Manila Bulletin File photo) Called as Hope II, the quarantine facility will be housed at the sprawling Quezon City University (QCU) Complex in Novaliches, Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte disclosed. “The quarantine facility has a 168-bed capacity for PUIs who are unable to undergo self-quarantine in their respective homes,” said Belmonte. Belmonte has fervently worked for the establishment of additional quarantine facilities to help limit and control the spread of the disease in the communities. This comes after expressing extreme shock over the Department of Health’s (DOH) protocol mandating hospitals to send home PUIs and COVID-19-positive patients showing mild symptoms for strict self-isolation and close monitoring. “We cannot effectively control the spread of the virus if we send home PUIs and patients without the means to self-quarantine,” said Belmonte She added that patients admitted to HOPE II will be provided meals, an isolated space, personal hygiene kits, proper medication, and will be given attention by medical health professionals as they undergo quarantine. Aside from controlling the spread of COVID-19, Hope II will help limit the exposure of health workers and locals to the deadly virus. “This would also help maximize the availability of hospital beds for patients who are in dire need of hospitalization,” said Belmonte. Earlier, the local government established Hope I, a 49-room alternative medical facility designed to isolate and monitor identified PUIs and COVID-19 patients. As of March 29, Hope I has accommodated 10 COVID-19-positive patients and 24 PUIs.