MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government opened on Tuesday a second temporary quarantine facility that could hold up to 168 persons under investigation (PUIs) for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The new quarantine facility, or “Hope II” is located at the Quezon City University complex in Novaliches.
Last week, the local government put up Hope-1, a 49-room alternative medical facility, which now houses 10 COVID-19 positive patients and 24 PUIs.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the new quarantine facilities were established as a response to the protocol of the Department of Health (DOH) to send home PUIs and positive COVID-19 patients showing mild symptoms for strict self-isolation and close monitoring.
Fourteen confirmed cases in Quezon City with mild symptoms were sent home last week following the DOH directive.
Belmonte, however, said the city government would not be able to “effectively control the spread of the virus if we send home PUIs and positive COVID-19 patients without the means to self-quarantine.”
—Mariejo S. Ramos