Capiz hospitals filled with COVID-19 patients

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital here is almost bursting at the seams with 6 critical cases, 27 severe cases, and 18 moderate cases of COVID-19.

Six more patients are awaiting admission at the Emergency Room and Triage Area.

Health authorities here are worried with the overflowing COVID-19 patients.

Data from the Provincial Health Office also indicated that two hospitals with COVID-19 – Bailan District Hospital and Mambusao District Hospital – already reached full capacity with a total of 20 patients admitted.

Based on data presented by the Roxas City government in support of its request for the imposition of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), the four private hospitals are also at full capacity – Capiz Doctors Hospital (12 patients), Capiz Emmanuel Hospital (10), Saint Anthony College Hospital (8), and The Health Centrum (3).

Once the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital reaches full capacity, there will be no other option but to declare a time out to allow the hospital to cater to the patients already admitted.

The hospital cannot admit more patients without compromising the level of care that it gives to its patients and overwhelming its staff and personnel, the PHO added.

“Again, we appeal for cooperation from everyone in these trying times, and implore everyone to please refrain from leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary and, if you have to, please wear your facemasks and face shields properly, observe at least a 1 meter distance from other people, and avoid crowded places,” the PHO said.

 

ROXAS UNDER MECQ

Meanwhile, expect stricter policies to be imposed after the Regional Interagency Task Force on COVID-19 approved the request of the Roxas City Government under Mayor Ronnie Dadivas to impose the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) on the city from June 1-16, 2021.

Dadivas said the move aims to stem the spread of the virus and consequent increase in cases. It will also give respite to Health Workers and Community Frontliners who are battling the pandemic.

The shift from the more permissive Modified General CQ will take effect June 1 after the Regional Interagency Task Force approved the component city’s request. It will not anymore require approval by the National IATF since Roxas is a component city.

Changes in quarantine status of highly-urbanized cities and provinces require NIATF approval.

 

MASS GATHERING 

Ronald Amigo, assistant department head of the Roxas City government, said the rules and guidelines under the MECQ status is centered on the so-called mass gathering.

Amigo said mass gathering in public places such as parks, beach and swimming pools, karaoke bars and drinking in public places are strictly prohibited.

Holding of weddings, birthday parties, fiestas, baptisms, and other celebrations are discouraged. Funeral wakes are allowed but only 20 persons are allowed to attend, and they must be immediate family members only.

Gambling in a wake is prohibited and the wake is only allowed for a maximum of 5 days.

Dadivas asked the public to monitor the city government’s social media accounts for more details and information on the MECQ.

The city logged 26 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total tally to 1,267 confirmed cases (201 active cases, 1,008 recoveries, and 58 deaths).