Iloilo City ready for COVID-19 resurgence after polls – mayor

Iloilo City is ready to handle a possible resurgence of COVID-19 cases after the May 9, 2022 elections, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Treñas said that the city has the necessary facilities such as the modular hospital, quarantine facilities, laboratory in response to the anticipated COVID-19 surge after the local and national elections.

“Ready kita while I hope warning lang na sang Department of Health (DOH). We are ready we have quarantine facilities, modular hospital, and medicines for Covid-19 patients,” he said during a press conference on Monday, April 25, 2022.

Health care facilities, which include quarantine facility and an off-site dormitory for medical workers at Barangay Sooc in Arevalo district, were turned over to the Iloilo City government last year to capacitate the city’s response against the pandemic.

Aside from this, a hospital extension facility was recently opened in the same area to cater to COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate cases and who are residents of Iloilo City.

Treñas has pushed for the construction of healthcare facilities in the metro to de-clog city hospitals and ease the health care utilization rate (HCUR) of the metro.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and several health experts have warned of the possible surge in COVID-19 cases due to unsafe gatherings and social mixing.

“From April to May 2022, Filipinos will observe Ramadan and Holy Week and engage in election-related activities.  Everyone should at least wear a mask and get booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines, as prescribed by the government, to prepare for and possibly avoid a potential surge,” Dr Rajendra Yadav, Acting WHO Representative to the Philippines, said in a statement.

Data from the City Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (CESU) showed that from March 1 to April 2 this year, the city only logged 261 cases with zero COVID-19 cases last March 27, March 29, and April 2.

Despite this, the mayor has reminded the public to avail of the booster shots of Covid-19 vaccines to protect themselves from the virus.

“That is why nagapangayo gid kita bulig agod mahaylo naton ang mga pumuluyo nga wala pa makapabakuna ukon makabooster shot nga magpabakuna na agod mangin dugang nga proteksyon batok sa COVID-19,” he said. (DG)