Lambunao town in Iloilo province will open its “bahay-kubo” isolation facility to asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Barangay Pandan next week.
“With the P1 million from our own fund and another P1 million from Governor (Arthur Defensor Jr.), we decided to establish the facility in Pandan that can build around 18 nipa huts,” Mayor Reynor Gonzales said on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
He said 10 units will initially be used to accommodate asymptomatic patients.
The nipa huts on the 1,000 to 2,000- square meter area of the town-owned lot can accommodate 18 to a maximum of 36 patients. The facility would be completely finished next month.
Two units will be left for responders and health personnel who will be staying in the area.
Each unit is surrounded by a screen, with a water source and electricity.
These will be equipped with a small transistor radio and WiFi connection.
“These are complete units. Each unit has a CR (comfort room) with complete amenities,” Gonzales said.
To date, the town is using Don Eugenio Ladrido Memorial Elementary School (DELMES) as its quarantine and isolation facility that can accommodate a maximum of 60 patients.
Gonzales said they also have two evacuation centers in Barangays Pughanan and Lumanay converted into an isolation facility that can accommodate 25 patients each.
As of Aug. 24, the town has 192 active cases, 326 recoveries, and 20 deaths.
The mayor also urged Lambunaonons to always follow health protocols, observe the proper use of face masks and face shields, and safe physical distancing and practice frequent handwashing.
He added that the local government is also implementing travel restrictions for non-essential transactions by requiring a travel pass.
“Only those authorized are allowed to access essential services,” he said.Perla Lena/PNA
