DOH urges LGUs to build community quarantine facilities for COVID-19 cases with mild, no symptoms

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday urged local government units to establish community quarantine facilities for patients who are confirmed to have COVID-19 but only show mild or no symptoms to contain the spread of the respiratory disease.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said such facilities should be offered to COVID-19-positive patients whose homes are not appropriate for self-isolation.

Vergeire described an “appropriate environment” for self-isolation as one where the patient has his or her own room and where there are no vulnerable individuals such as senior citizens.

“Kung talagang walang ganitong appropriate na environment na uuwian ang ating pasyente, sana po ang ating LGUs ay magkaroon ng initiative ng mga community quarantine facilities,” she said at a virtual press briefing.

The health official noted that some local governments have already coordinated with the private sector in their city to turn hotels into community quarantine facilities.

Makati, Pasig, and Quezon City are among the local government units that have already tapped hotels to serve as isolation facilities for COVID-19 patients. 

Vergeire also explained that, under DOH protocols, hospitals are allowed to send home COVID-19-positive patients if they are asymptomatic or only showing mild symptoms.

“Kaya po ine-encourage nga natin po ang ating local government officials and units na sana po magkaroon tayo ng community quarantine facilities… para hindi rin po sila nahahalo sa ating community,” she said.

Vergeire also assured the public that the DOH is working closely with local authorities to conduct contact tracing.

As of Monday afternoon, the Philippines has recorded 1,546 COVID-19 cases with 78 deaths and 42 recoveries. —LDF, GMA News