Quezon City issues guidelines for barangay-based quarantine facilities

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has released guidelines on how barangays can properly establish and operate their own quarantine facilities.

In a statement Sunday, Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte said this will enable “immediate isolation” of asymptomatic, mild, suspect or probable cases.

“Also, the barangay quarantine facilities will help free up hospital beds for moderate, critical or severe cases,” Belmonte added.

According to the guidelines, “the facility must be enclosed with windows and doors and should be adequately lit and well-ventilated, with barangays providing at least an electric fan, appropriate furniture and beds, uninterrupted power supply, running water and access to laundry service.”

The facility must have Barangay Health Emergency Response Team and other health authorities who will monitor patients admitted to the facility.

Chief of the city’s epidemiology and surveillance unit Dr. Rolly Cruz said barangays interested in establishing their own facilities must coordinate with the city health department.

“Barangay isolation facilities should not accept patients with moderate or severe symptoms as these must be referred to the nearest hospital,” Cruz said, as quoted in the same statement.

JE