Use hostels as temporary quarantine sites – Nancy Binay

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday suggested to the Department of Health (DOH) and local health officials of converting hostels and other establishments as alternative quarantine sites for persons suspected of carrying the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“It’s only a matter of time when local government units (LGUs) will be overwhelmed with many Covid-related concerns,” Binay said in a statement.

So far, the Philippines has 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Binay herself went into self-quarantine after a resource person in the Senate hearing she attended has tested positive for the disease.

For Binay, she said that LGUs need to anticipate the “unlikeliness” of the current situation.

“Because of the limited bed capacity, di kayang i-accommodate ng mga local private at government hospitals ang mga persons under investigation, (Local private and government hospitals can’t accommodate all persons under investigation),” Binay said.

“It is for the best interest to have a designated quarantine center in order to isolate patients from the rest of the population.”

“As a precautionary and preventive measure, LGUs may lead the creation of strategies to proactively respond to a public health emergency. Kailangan ng (We need a) preemptive response — and having a controlled clearing house ensures the public that the government is on top of the situation,” she said.