Smart to provide Wi-Fi connections over COVID-19 quarantine facilities

Smart Communications Inc. will provide carrier-grade fiber-powered Wi-Fi connections to newly activated treatment facilities in efforts to contain  the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In an emailed statement, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Smart has pledged to provide internet connections to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Philippine International Convention Center, the World Trade Center, and De La Salle Greenhills campus in Mandaluyong.

"These new quarantine sites will decongest hospitals in Metro Manila, thus reducing community transmission while protecting our health care workers," said Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.

"We'd like to thank Smart for providing high-speed wifi. This will help the facility managers to coordinate with one another as well as patients so that they can keep in touch with their families and loved ones," he said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) last week ordered the DPWH to convert the PICC and the World Trade Center into quarantine facilities.

Latest available data from the Department of Health (DOH) reported  that as of Saturday, April 04, 2020, the Philippines had a total of 3,094  COVID-19 cases; 144 deaths; and 57  recoveries.

"A major focus of our activities at PLDT and Smart this time is to arm frontliners in the fight against COVID-19 with strong connectivity and innovative digital tools," said PLDT chairman and chief executive officer Manuel Pangilinan. 

"We look forward to more of this type of collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations," he added. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News