Isolation facility for infectious diseases opens in Pangasinan town

The facility is part of the town’s strategies to cope with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. (Photos by Yolanda Sotelo)

SUAL, Pangasinan– Local officials led by Mayor Liseldo Calugay on Monday opened the 28-room infectious diseases isolation facility at the municipal wharf.

Calugay said the facility is part of the town’s strategies to cope with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“This is a component of the ‘Test, Trace and Treat’ program of the local government unit and will serve as a treatment area for asymptomatic residents found positive of the COVID 19 disease,” Calugay said.

Residents who will be found positive for the coronavirus through rapid testing but have no rooms in their houses for quarantine will be placed in the facility’s separate wing.

Municipal Administrator Philip Adviento said the facility was not called “COVID Facility” because it will also cater to other infectious diseases that may crop up in the future.

Sual Mayor Liseldo Calugay (left) leads the blessing and opening of the 28-room infectious diseases isolation facility in the town.

The local government has been conducting both polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests and rapid tests for front-liners, returning residents, overseas Filipino workers, and those engaged in essential services such as market vendors and public transport drivers.

Municipal Health Officer Grace Ramirez said 159 PCR tests and 199 rapid tests have been conducted so far.

Workers residing in adjoining towns who tested positive in the rapid test are endorsed to their respective health officials, she said.

The local government is sending PCR specimen to the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.

To help the town residents fight COVID-19, Calugay said they give each family two boxes of vitamin C and food packs.

There is also a separate relief packs for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children aged 12-years-old and below.