Zamboanga City – City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar has directed the increase of the bed capacities of isolation facilities, from 700 beds to 1000 beds.
This, as active COVID cases in Zamboanga City hit the 1000, with 1056 active cases recorded as of April 23.
“Our original plan of 700-bed capacity isolation has already been increased to 1000-bed capacity,” the Mayor said in her virtual presser Friday.
The Mayor urged residents to take the COVID threat seriously, noting that the rising numbers are not a joke.
“No amount of our presser, warning, can resolve this issue if people do not respond accordingly. The important thing is that we take into account and consideration que el COVID hinde ta escuhi maga gente. Hinde igual antes, uno lang ta keda active na un casa, este tiempo, el entero miembro de familia ta keda positive,” Mayor Beng warned.
City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite also issued a warning that most hospitals in Zamboanga City are already full for both COVID and non-COVID patients.
Recall that earlier this month, the local chief executive ordered the preparation of at least 700-bed isolation facilities in case the local COVID situation worsens.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) were tasked to repair and renovate isolation facilities used last year.
This includes the former Lantaka Hotel, Euntes Harmony Village, Ecozone and the Grandstand.