UP Diliman opens new community isolation facility

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) opened a new community isolation unit last Saturday.

Called the Silungang Molave (SiM), the facility at the newly renovated Molave Residence Hall has a 39-bed capacity, according to UPD’s post on their site, Tuesday.

Of the 39 beds, 20 will be given to mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases while 19 for suspected and probable cases.

Asymptomatic patients who test positive for COVID-19 will be placed in a special zone, while male and female patients will be placed in separate wards.

Within an “acceptable distance from the various communities inside UPD,” SiM is “well ventilated” with its isolation rooms spread out so “physical distancing is enforced among patients.”

To prevent the transmission of the virus, SiM staff members will follow proper hygiene procedures and wear personal protective equipment.

“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,”  said UP Health Service (UPHS) acting director Dr. Jesusa Catabui.

To protect the public, traffic will also be diverted away from a section of Magsaysay Avenue, which is in front of SiM, so that “only authorized persons will have to pass there.”

“Kailangan natin ng isolation area para sa ating komunidad. We have realized the new patterns of transmission: mas mabilis sa office at sa mga bahay-bahay,” said UPD Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo.

Nemenzo said they implemented with SiM the learnings from Kanlungang Palma, UPD’s first isolation facility which closed in July 11.

“We have taken these to heart, as we proceeded with SiM,” he said.

Nemenzo also said that they created a special community that reviewed Kanlungang Palma and UPHS’ operations.

“The committee, which includes an infectious disease expert from the Philippine General Hospital, recommended measures that will prevent future outbreaks and ensure the safety of our [healthcare workers]. This same committee will also be closely monitoring the operations of SiM in the coming months,” he added.

READ: UP frontliners with COVID-19 now at 16

For patients who wish to be admitted at SiM, simply call or visit the UPHS Emergency Room at 8981-8500 local 111 for initial screening. Priority, however, will be given to UPD constituents such as students, faculty, and residents of Barangay UP Campus, among others.

According to facility manager Dr. Joy Gabriel, SiM will admit patients based on the following criteria:

- between 20 and 60 years old

- not pregnant

- no comorbidities (ex. uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, cardiac/renal problems or immunodeficiency conditions such as cancer, HIV-AIDS and systemic lupus erythematosus).

Once admitted, those who have not been tested can go to the swabbing station. Should the patient turn out positive but only with mild symptoms, they can remain in SiM and will be cared for by UPHS.

According to UPD, patients referred by nearby barangays may still be considered. However, no matter where they come from], all patients applying for admission will still undergo screening at the UPHS.

According to the university, the facility will be under the technical supervision of the Quezon City Health Department led by Dr. Esperanza Anita N. Escano-Arias, OIC city health officer, and will be regularly monitored by the Department of Health. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News