104 infected OFWs moved to Manila field hospital

MANILA, Philippines — More than a hundred returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who became infected with the coronavirus were transferred on Friday to the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital, where they spent New Year’s Eve on quarantine.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and other officials were present during the relocation of 104 mild and asymptomatic patients to the hospital that was set up in Rizal Park, where they arrived in buses and ambulances.

According to Domagoso, the patients were transported from the other hospitals run by the city government.

“We want [these] hospitals to function as regular hospitals so Manila residents would not be afraid to seek health services [out of] fear of contracting COVID-19,” said the mayor, who is also running for president in 2022.

Addressing the new arrivals, Domagoso said: “I know how hard it is to be an OFW. Of all the things and challenges of being an OFW,… there is [the] threat and stress on your job.”

‘You are welcome’

Domagoso said the city government’s accommodation of these OFWs was in gratitude for their contributions, not only to the city’s economy but also that of the entire country.

“Even while here in Manila we can repay you with our compassion, to show that you are welcome. We will do our best to make you comfortable as much as possible,” he said.

Antivirals

The mayor said the city government would shoulder all the costs of their stay, covering three meals per day as well as their medical needs.

Among the medications available at the facility, he said, are antivirals like the molnupiravir capsule and the intravenous drug remdesivir, as well as tocilizumab, an injectible used to treat arthritis.

These drugs have been repurposed to treat coronavirus infection, although the level of their acceptability varies among experts.

The World Health Organization has approved the use of tocilizumab but advises against the use of remdesivir. It is currently evaluating molnupiravir.

‘Model’

Domagoso told OFWs they may also keep in touch with their families through the field hospital’s Wi-Fi connection.

Formally opened in June, the P154-million field hospital can accommodate up to 344 patients.

Also present during the patients’ arrival, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the ‘’world-class facility (can serve) as a model for other local governments.”

Another guest at the event, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano, said his city would be opening its own field hospital for returning OFWs next week.