Classrooms serve as ‘isolation units’ for PUMs in Legazpi City

LEGAZPI CITY — The local government unit in this city will utilize classrooms as “isolation units” for people who will be considered as persons under monitoring (PUMs), or those requiring surveillance for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) signs.

Miladee Azur, head of city disaster risk reduction and management office, said each barangay will use two classrooms as quarantine area of PUMs.

“The isolation area will be offered to PUMs who are congested in their residence especially those in informal settlements,” she said.

Each of the patients will be monitored by the barangay officials and health workers and will be provided with what they need through the disaster fund.

Azur said these health workers were trained on COVID-19 management but have no personal protective equipment to use.

“Some scrambled to make their own cloth masks, and we reminded them of social distancing,” she added.

In March 12, Albay governor Al Francis Bichara required all residents who traveled outside of the region especially in Metro Manila and areas with COVID-19 cases to undergo 14-day self-quarantine.

On Saturday, Mayor Noel Rosal has declared indefinite suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools.

Crestito Morcilla, division superintendent, has advised all school heads to make classrooms available starting Sunday afternoon.