As hospitals around the country become overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 patients and PUIs, the national government is fast-tracking the transformation of large venues into “instant hospitals” designed to exclusively care for COVID-19 patients and PUIs.
One of these venues is the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, which is now a 112-bed hospital to be manned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Corps. According to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the hospital will be operational by next week.
Meanwhile, the transformation of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the World Trade Center (WTC) will be completed on April 11, also next week. PICC is expected to accommodate 300 beds or patients, and the WTC is expected to accommodate 500 beds.
Other locations that are being eyed for potential instant hospitals and quarantine sites are Quezon Institute, Amoranto Stadium, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Quezon City Circle, PhilSports Complex, FTI, Dutyfree at NAIA, and Filinvest Tent. Meanwhile, in Region 3, New Clark City Government Center, New Clark City Athletes’ Village, ASEAN Convention Center, and Philippine Arena are also being considered.
According to BCDA president and CEO Vince Dizon, the three main objectives for these quarantine facilities are to: reduce community spread of COVID-19, decongest Metro Manila hospitals, and save patient lives at the first stage of the disease for the benefit of the frontliners and the entire population.
The Philippines has recorded 2,633 cases of COVID-19 as of April 3, including 51 recoveries and 107 deaths. There are also 1,154 PUIs and 6,321 PUMs at present.
Check out the progress of Ninoy Aquino Stadium below:
