Bataan Port increases quarantine capacity

MARIVELES, Bataan — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) has increased the capacity of its quarantine facility (QF) to cope with the increasing number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in its locality.

AFAB administrator Emmanuel Pineda disclosed that the QF was temporarily closed down to give way to improvements to accommodate more bed spaces.

The QF now has a 52-bed capacity in its Building 1 wherein 12 of the rooms are for women while 14 rooms are for men. Each room fits two beds, a table and chairs, sink, comfort room, and electric fan for proper ventilation.

Initially built for Freeport Area of Bataan workers and their residents, the said facility will now also cater to Mariveles residents where they will be attended by a doctor, four nurses and four nursing attendants.

Only patients who are asymptomatic with aged 18 to 59 will be accepted in the QF. Those with more serious or severe symptoms of the viral respiratory disease, patients with comorbidities, or patients with special medical needs are advised to be admitted in hospitals more capable of handling their needs.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has already provided the facility with toiletries for the patients who will occupy the QF while patients are required to bring their personal items like clothes for good for 14 days, masks, face shields, pillows, blankets, and kitchen utensils.

Other facilities Mariveles is utilizing are the Economic Housing Building of AFAB in Sitio Karagatan of Barangay Alas Asin, and the Llamas Elementary School and Mariveles National High School-Alasasin.