Baguio City gov't to reopen dormant hospital for COVID-19 patients

A medical facility in Baguio City that ceased operations in 2009 will be converted into a critical care center for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, according to a "Stand for Truth" report.

The report stated the Sto. Niño Medical Center, a 36-bed medical facility located in Barangay Burgos, will be an exclusive hospital for COVID-19 cases that will begin operations in two weeks.

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The Department of Health-Cordillera and the local government unit partnered with various private companies to refurnish the six-floor facility.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said it is important to have a separate facility if ever the number of cases in the city continue to rise.

Magalong added the critical care center will allow them to protect other hospitals from contamination risks.

“The reason why we came up with this is para talagang exclusive dedicated hospital or shelter for COVID-19 patients. In that arrangement, mare-relieve ‘yong ating mga hospitals,” he said.

“Doon kasi nagkakaroon ng malaking setback, lalong lalo na kung ‘yong mga health workers sa isang ospital magkaroon lang ng isang COVID-19 case na pumunta doon, naku maka-quarantine silang lahat. Ang laki ng impact,” Magalong added.

While some residents living near the facility appealed, saying they might be at risk of contracting the virus, Magalong said the city government will ensure precautionary measures are in place.

“I explained to them also the safety measures na ilalagay natin doon and ‘yong mga iba’t ibang klase pa ng preventive measures at ‘yong mga mechanisms,” he said.

As of April 6, Baguio has reported 14 cases of COVID-19, including one fatality and five recoveries.

Nationwide, a total of 3,660 COVID-19 infections have been recorded with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/AOL, GMA News