More PPEs expected to arrive soon, says DOH exec

The Department of Health (DOH) expects the delivery of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the country’s hospitals and quarantine facilities within the week, a health official said Monday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the following PPEs will arrive soon:

• 300,000 N95 masks
• 271, 100 gowns
• 18,000 coveralls
• 26,250 goggles
• 52,500 shoe covers
• 52,500 aprons
• 500 non-contact infrared thermometers

Meanwhile, the department will procure a mechanical ventilator worth around P1.3 billion for COVID-19 patients.

Vergeire said the DOH has already forwarded its request to the Department of Budget and Management.

The procurement of the ventilators is still undergoing market study.

The equipment will be distributed to hospitals and quarantine facilities across the country.

The COVID-19 test kits developed by the University of the Philippines will also be rolled out to the Philippine General Hospital, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, and The Medical City this week.

A total of 1,300 test kits capable of testing 26,000 individuals will be distributed.

Meanwhile, three of the eight quarantine facilities in Metro Manila and Region 3 have also begun accepting COVID-19 patients.

Twenty-six patients have already occupied the 50 beds at the Las Piñas Rehabilitation Center.

At the Quezon Institute, 48 out of 100 beds are currently being used.

Seventeen out of the 112 beds at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex are also occupied by patients.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines rose to 6,459 with 428 deaths and 613 recoveries on Monday.  — RSJ, GMA News