CHSO: Equip yourself in case of COVID-19 isolation

BAGUIO CITY – (8 April 2021) – Manage your expectations.

Covid-19 patients who are asymptomatic and those with mild symptoms are being isolated at the Temporary Treatment Monitoring Facilities (TTMF) either at the Sto. Niño Hospital or at the Teachers Camp with free meals and drinking water courtesy of the city government.

However, drinking water supply is limited to go with the meals as the city government is also trying to stretch its budget to accommodate the continues increase of patients aside from the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the frontline workers.

Dr. Donnabel Panes, head of the City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU), said it is important for the public to plan their isolation ahead of time and prepare the supplies they needed in they contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

At the TTMF, patients are separated in rooms or barriers and take turns in using the comfort room.

Patients are expected to bring their own additional water, utensils including thermos for hot water, toiletries and other personal hygiene effects including their maintenance medicines if there are, clothes for the duration of the isolation and additional blanket.

Those with additional needs may ask the assistance from their relatives and friends to deliver to the isolation facilities.

In the case that all of the patient’s relatives or friends are on quarantine, they may ask for assistance from the TTMF personnel.

Panes said home care or home isolation for asymptomatic patients is another option being explored by the city health officials now to avoid TTMFs from reaching full capacity but this will require a personal comfort room for the patient aside from separate utensils and sleeping area. Home care will only be possible if the patient has food supply or relatives to deliver his/her needs during the isolation period.

“Self-protection and self-preparedness are the key since the government cannot provide everything once someone is isolated due to limited resources,” Panes explained.

This being said, Panes reminded the public to follow minimum public health standards to avoid contracting the virus.

“The virus is real so protect yourself by following minimum health standards and do not bring home the virus. To say that the virus is not real is hurting to the families of those who died due to Covid-19 complications,” Panes said. – Jessa Samidan