8 more patients and all of San Lazaro Hospital's COVID-19 beds will be full

Fifty-seven out of 65 hospital beds assigned for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have been occupied at the San Lazaro Hospital, leaving only eight beds available until it reaches full capacity.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras," San Lazaro is one of the primary hospitals for infectious diseases. It is also the hospital where the first COVID-19 case in the country was brought.

"So, talagang tumaas ang mga kaso natin the past two weeks. 50 percent are mild but mostly vulnerable tapos the remaining are really the moderate to severe na stage of the infection," spokesperson Rotgene Solante said.

The hospital's intensive care unit, which can only hold 10 patients, are also full with severe COVID-19 cases.

"Yes, puno na ngayon. So, in fact, meron kaming mga dapat i-tra-transfer doon sa ICU na kailangan close monitoring," he said.

"Kaya lang, we need to reassess kung sino doon sa ICU na puwede nating ma-transfer out na mukhang puwede nang hindi na doon sa critical area para lang ma-accommodate 'yung mas critical na kailangan nating i-monitor," he added.

According to Solante, they must also accommodate and prioritize moderate cases who are expected to reach critical stage.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the hospital will prepare extra beds should it be needed.

"[The] San Lazaro Hospital is always ready to accept additional cases when the need arises. According to Dr. Lopez, they are currently preparing extra beds for additional patients if and when it will be needed," she said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News