JORDAN, Guimaras – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently turned over two newly-built quarantine facilities for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the island province of Guimaras.
One was received by the provincial government. The other recipient was the municipality of Buenavista.
The provincial government’s 16-room new quarantine facility was at the capitol grounds in Barangay San Miguel. It had quarters for male and female doctors and a nurse’s station.
Each room had an air-conditioning unit and toilet.
The facility also had a power generator to ensure electricity when there’s a power failure.
“Kinahanglan gid naton ini para ma-arrest ang local transmission sang virus. We will isolate positive cases,” said Gov. Samuel Gumarin.
He thanked DPWH Region 6 director Lea Delfinado.
As of Sunday, Feb. 28, Guimaras’ cumulative COVID-19 cases (since recording started in March 2020) hit 306 with 259 having recovered and six who died, leaving the province with 41 active cases.
Meanwhile, Mayor Eugenio Reyes of Buenavista said with the turnover of the 20-room facility constructed in Barangay McLain, “it would be easier for our constituents should they get infected by the coronavirus.”
“Sixteen rooms are for our asymptomatic clients once it becomes operational in the next few days,” he added.
The remaining four rooms will be for utility, male and female personnel who will be in charge of the facility, and one will serve as their rest area.
Each room is fully air-conditioned, with a comfort room, and beddings.
Before the turnover of the new facility, Buenavista established a primary quarantine facility adjacent to the town’s evacuation center. It also rented an island resort in Barangay Rizal.
“For the time being, we will just cater to our constituents,” Reyes said.
To date, Buenavista had seven active COVID-19 cases – three returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and four local cases. (With a report from PNA/PN)
