Taguig launches Mega Complex Facility with virus lab, quarantine center

This photo shows the aerial view of Taguig City’s COVID-19 Mega Complex Facility that was inaugurated Friday, September 25. /screenshot from IloveTaguig Facebook video

MANILA, Philippines — Taguig City on Friday inaugurated its COVID-19 Mega Complex Facility, which houses its new molecular laboratory and quarantine amenity, to augment the local government’s efforts to curb the coronavirus disease infection.

The Taguig Public Information Office (PIO) said in a statement that the site will accommodate the Lakeshore National Testing Facility, which aims to complete the city’s target of 100,000 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test by the end of this year.

The Department of Health-accredited molecular laboratory started its operations last September 13.

Taguig previously conducted COVID-19 tests by coordinating with government and private molecular laboratories. So far, the city has processed 50,000 RT-PCR tests.

Aside from this, the facility would also have the Lakeshore Mega Quarantine Facility that has a 500-bed capacity for COVID-19 patients.

The entire complex is expected to be completed in three months, right before Christmas, when the city anticipates a possible spike in COVID-19 cases, according to the Taguig PIO.

Nevertheless, the local government said 70 units of the quarantine facility will be opened Friday while the remaining units will be opened in the next few weeks.

“The structures ensure comfort for patients. They are complete with beds, partitions, air-conditioning, a bath, a toilet, and a living room. All units will also have tables to help in entertaining patients and consulting with doctors,” the Taguig PIO said.

The local government, likewise, said Robonurses will be deployed inside the mega quarantine facility to assist patients.

As of Sept. 23, Taguig City has a total of 6,988 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus disease, including 55 fatalities and 6,544 recoveries.

KGA