‘Find facilities for temporary quarantine units’

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Apr. 1 (PIA)--To effectively address and manage the expected surge in the number of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 cases including Persons Under Investigation (PUIs), and Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)10 urges local government units to identify government facilities that may be temporarily converted into isolation and quarantine facilities.

Auditoriums, gymnasiums, classrooms, courts, and open fields are some of the possible areas that may be converted into said facility, according to a Department Memorandum issued by Department of Health (DOH).

Moreover, an LGU may also consider partnership with non-government agencies and private sectors for the use of some spaces.

“Right now, we are pushing our LGUs to be as resourceful as possible, especially in this time of crisis,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe. “The LGUs are enjoined to immediately identify, designate and establish their respective COVID-19 special care facilities.”

He reiterated that LGUs must then report identified government facilities to the National Incident Command of the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19, and the Task Group on Resource Management and

Logistics.

In a memorandum issued by DILG, said task group will classify the identified facilities into those that can be utilized for the isolation of PUIs, and those where positive COVID-19 cases with mild symptoms may be managed.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is with us and will be there to conduct site inspections and commerce works to those areas that will be approved,” Agabe added.

As per same DILG Memorandum, these special care facilities must be enclosed but are well-ventilated structures, with walls, windows and doors. These can be empty houses or buildings, equipped with appropriate furniture and beds with sufficient provisions for electricity and running water, kitchen, toilets, and baths.

Agabe said, “Those facilities that will be selected by our LGUs must meet these requirements to ensure the welfare of our people. As much as possible, we want it to accommodate as many individuals as possible, but not to the extent of crowding the area.”

Pursuant to DILG and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 dated March 27, 2020, DILG says that LGUs may utilize appropriate funds, including their 20 perent Development Fund to fund identified facilities. (DILG10/PIA10)

“Right now, we are pushing our LGUs to be as resourceful as possible, especially in this time of crisis,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe. “The LGUs are enjoined to immediately identify, designate and establish their respective COVID-19 special care facilities”