‘Iloilo City ready for Alert Level 1 with modular hospital, vax efforts’

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas is confident that the city is ready for the new normal or Alert Level 1 classification with the construction of the modular hospital and the continued vaccination efforts.

According to Treñas, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently finishing the construction of the 77-bed modular hospital in Brgy. So-oc, Arevalo.

“Ginpangabay ko nga ma-Alert Level 2 lang anay kay ginapatapos pa naton ang kinahanglanon sang Department of Health (DOH) sa aton ospital. May mga pila pa to ka items nga ginrequire ang DOH antes hatagan sang permit to operate,” he said during the flag ceremony on Monday.

The mayor said the modular hospital has an initial 33 additional beds for COVID-19 patients. After two weeks, the city government will add 44 more beds, for a total of 77.

With the 77-bed modular hospital, Treñas expressed confidence that the city will de-escalate to the new normal classification or Alert Level 1 where businesses and establishments will be allowed to operate up to 100 percent capacity.

“With 77 beds, daw maisog na mag-atubang sa Alert Level 1, 100 (percent) capacity sa tanan, transport, kag negosyo para amat-amat na kita balik sa aton kinaandan. Ma-mask kita gihapon guro pero gapasulod na kita sa normal,” he added.

The mayor also urged City Hall employees to campaign for the COVID-19 vaccination amid the slow turn-out of pediatric vaccination for 5 to 11 years old and administration of booster shots.

“Pila ta ka libo, kon pwede mahambal sa abyan, pamilya ta nga magpabakuna na sila ukon magpabooster shots.  Ang epekto sang bakuna sa lawas ta after three months, nagapanaog na ang proteksyon. Kon gapanaog ang proteksyon after a while daw parehas lang na wala ka sang bakuna and delikado ka sa Covid,” he said. (DG)