The Health Department is eyeing the relocation of COVID-19 patients admitted in hospitals who are asymptomatic or with only mild symptoms to free up space in filled-up health facilities.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said these patients will be transferred to quarantine facilities, such as hotels or isolation centers. This includes healthcare workers with COVID-19 who are showing mild to no symptoms.
Although patients will not have a choice on facilities to which they will be relocated, Vergeire assured the spaces will be comfortable.
The said move is expected to free up at least 40% of beds allocated for COVID-19 patients.
“Kapag matanggal ang mild at asymptomatic, luluwag ang ating mga ospital at magkakaroon ng enough space for patients who really need hospitals the most,” she said.
The relocation of COVID-19 patients to quarantine facilities is one of the new strategies the government is employing to help overwhelmed hospitals manage patients infected with virus.
