PhilSports Arena’s Mega Community Quarantine now takes in COVID-19 patients
CALOOCAN CITY, April 27 (PIA) — The 132-bed capacity “We Heal As One” Center at the Philippine Sports (PhilSports) Arena or ULTRA (University of Life Training and Recreational Arena) in Pasig City is now fit to accommodate COVID-19 patients.
Secretary Mark A. Villar said that the PhilSports Arena quarantine facility is ready to handle possible treatment of persons with symptoms of COVID-19 suspect and probable cases after it was checked on Saturday by representatives from Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD). The project was put up by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Villar Group of Companies.
As one of the designated COVID-19 facilities in Metro Manila, the DOH and PNP Medical Team had to made sure that the repurposed PhilSports Arena has all necessary equipment prior to acceptance for management and operation, said Secretary Villar.
The center with two nurses’ stations is fully equipped with medical equipment such as hospital beds donated by the Villar Group of Companies.
The civil works in PhilSports Arena were completed within three days by the DPWH Task Force for Augmentation of Local and National Health Facilities and National Capital Region (NCR) – ahead of the five day deadline imposed by the Secretary.
Carpenters, electricians, laborers and other workers from DPWH NCR nine District Engineering Offices were divided into three (3) groups with each group working expeditiously in the fabrication and installion of 44 cubicles per cluster area.
The DPWH Task Force formed by Secretary Villar through close coordination with the IATF and the private sector has also converted several public buildings into mega community quarantine hubs such as PICC-Forum, World Trade Center, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Coliseum. A “We Heal As One Center” at the Philippine Arena Complex is on advanced stage of completion.
The facility will be operated by 9 doctors and 54 nurses from the PNP Medical Corps. (PIA NCR)
source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040118