With the closure of the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital, Mayor Honey Lacuna gave the assurance that Manilans who will get COVID-19 will still be able to get continued care through the city government’s six district hospitals.
The mayor said that the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) did not extend the use of the site in its jurisdiction for the use of the field hospital anymore, which is why it has to be shut down.
“Ang aming pong pasasalamat sa NPDC sa pagbibigay sa amin ng pagkakataong makapaglingkod sa pamamaraan po ng ating ospital sa inyo pong lugar, Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyo,” she said.
Before the closure on October 31, the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital had actually been accommodating mostly non-Manilans and OFWs who get infected with the coronavirus where they get totally free accommodation, daily meals and treatment under the stewardship of hospital director Dr. Arlene Dominguez until they get well, Lacuna said.
Based on a report from Dominguez, the last day that the said hospital accepted COVID patients was on October 20. Built with the use of container vans during the height of the pandemic, the hospital was used for patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.
She addressed the fears of Manilans who think they would no longer have a hospital that would take care of them if they get infected with COVID-19.
“Kung natatakot kayo na wala na kayong mapupuntahan, bukas pa rin ang ating anim na ospital at isang quarantine facility sa MLQU sa Quiapo. Mananatili itong bukas pero para sa taga-Maynila na lamang po,” she said, adding that enough staff and facilities have been put in the said quarantine facility to cater to asymptomatic and mild cases.
Lacuna said that the staff and equipment of the COVID hospital have been distributed to the various city-run hospitals while the container vans may be used for other purposes that will still be beneficial to the city.
Meanwhile, Lacuna advised arriving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to coordinate with the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) if and when they test positive for COVID-19, saying the city of Manila no longer has a COVID hospital to offer to them. (JERRY S. TAN)
