Rizal Memorial to be operational as quarantine facility by Monday

MANILA, Philippines -- The conversion of the Rizal Memorial Complex into a quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients will be completed by Monday. 

This, according to the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.

"The Rizal Memorial Complex will be operationalized by Monday. We will inspect it and ensure the quality of its facilities," Galvez told doctors in a teleconference on Saturday.

Galvez's statement came after concerns were expressed that non-COVID-19 patients might not have access to medical attention because clinics are closed, in light of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

The Philippine General Hospital will begin transferring asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients by Tuesday.

Galvez convened doctors from private hospitals in Manila to discuss the pressing logistical concerns that need to be addressed by the NTF.

"Our strategy is to transfer patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms," Galvez explained. 

"It will also be manned by three doctors and 50 nurses from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police medical services," he added.

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The re-purposed Rizal Memorial Complex will have air-conditioned cubicles, free food for patients and frontliners, free internet connection, and round-the-clock monitoring by AFP and PNP doctors and nurses.

Galvez also assured the doctors that the NTF is prioritizing the distribution of essential medical supplies, such as Personal Protective Equipment, to both government and private hospitals across Metro Manila.

Last March 31, 15,000 PPEs arrived at the Villamor Airbase, 12,000 of which were immediately delivered to COVID-19 designated hospitals that included the Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, and Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, and other hospitals such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, and San Lazaro Hospital.

To fast-track the conversion of sports complexes and convention centers into quarantine sites, the government partnered with private firms that have pledged support to the task force's efforts to prevent the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).