SPMC regulates visiting hours amid COVID-19

THE SOUTHERN Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) has limited its visiting hours as a precautionary measure against the threat of COVID-19.

The SPMC released yesterday its official statement on the visiting hours implemented to prevent or minimize the risk of virus transmission in the premises. The order is also pursuant to Code Red Alert Sublevel 2 COVID-19 and the Presidential Proclamation 929, declaring the country under a state of calamity due to the rising cases in the country.

Hospital administrators said that visitors are allowed to come from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. only beginning March 19, 2020. This has been one of their ways to preempt the further spread of the virus.

Mayor Sara Duterte, in a previous report, said that only the SPMC will cater to

COVID-19 patients.

“This will prevent the virus from contaminating all our hospitals in the city,” she said.

SPMC medical technologist chief Zenaida Banzon said in a previous report that there are two isolation rooms intended for persons with suspected cases. In case of a surge, the ICU 1 and ICU 2 can also be converted into isolation rooms. ICU 1 can cater to eight persons, while ICU 2 can accommodate up to 16 individuals.