DPWH’s Villar: Philippines aiming to increase quarantine facilities as COVID-19 cases surge

The Philippines is aiming to boost its quarantine facilities catering to individuals hit by COVID-19, as new cases across the country continue to rise.

According to isolation czar and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, the government targets to increase facilities by 720 units or 26,259 beds this month.  

At present, the Philippines has a total of 9,734 temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMFs) with a bed capacity of 128,037.

The highest occupancy rate is currently seen at the National Capital Region (NCR) which reported that 66.17% of its 6,985 beds are occupied as of April 11.

"Medyo dito kami nakatutok dahil sa NCR po ang pinakamataas na occupancy rate," Villar said during a virtual briefing with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.

(We are focused on the NCR because it has the highest occupancy rate.)

Following NCR is Region II with a 48.97% occupancy rate, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 40.32%, Region I with 31.19%, Region III with 30.58%, and Region IV-A with 24.46%.

Out of the target facilities to be put up this month, majority will be for quarantine and isolation with 634 units or 23,284 beds; followed by offsite dormitories with 60 units or 1,456 beds; technical assistance with 11 units or 1,003 beds; and modular hospitals with 15 units or 516 beds.

"Within this month and next month, a big increase will be seen in our intensive care units (ICU) and of course, moderate and severe hospital bed capacity," he said in a mix of English and Filipino during the same briefing.

"We will continue to identify new areas and within the next month you will see a very significant increase in our hospital and ICU capacity," he added.

There have been cases of COVID-19 patients dying outside the emergency rooms, as they could not be admitted with hospitals at full capacity.

The Philippines on Monday reported 11,378 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 876,225. This includes 157,451 active cases; 703,625 recoveries; and 15,149 deaths. — RSJ, GMA News