Sports facilities, baragay gyms used in fight vs. COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government has utilized three of Cebu’s biggest sports facilities and some barangay sports complex for different uses as the whole community fights against COVID-19.

The three facilities include the local government-owned Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI) in Sawang Calero, the Cebu Sports Center (CCSC) and the Cebu Coliseum.

Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros said that since sporting events are suspended during the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine, the CCSI will be made into a temporary medical facility, particularly as one of the cluster clinics aimed at catering local residents from the west.

The Cebu City Health Department has set up five cluster clinics aimed at detecting early signs of COVID-19 and to decongest the hospitals in the city.

The other cluster clinics include the Pit-os gym for those from the northern part of Cebu City, Brotherhood gym in Basak, San Nicolas (South),  Tinago gym (East) and the Cebu Medical Society in Banilad for the residents in the central part of the city.

Earlier, identified areas included gyms of Barangays Mabolo, Hipodromo, and San Nicolas, but did not materialize.

Cluster clinics are also set up to cater to those who are complaining of influenza-like symptoms (ILI) including diarrhea, colds, cough, and difficulty for breathing.

The cluster doctors will evaluate if one should be sent back home or to be tested for COVID and to be isolated.

If one is considered as a PUI or a person under investigation, but do not have enough place for home quarantine, they will also be referred to the DOH Central Visayas’ Center for Health Development at the old Sacred Heart School along General Maxilom Avenue.

All other medical concerns of the residents like checkups for seniors and vaccination for children will be done at the out-patient services at the City Health Department office.

The CCSC, which was already to the public, was already converted as a holding area for the police force and military personnel manning the checkpoint areas.

Quarantine Area

Councilor Jerry Guardo said they are also considering the CCSC as a possible quarantine area for PUIs and PUM. The city is currently building a quarantine area at the North Reclamation Area.

The Cebu Coliseum, on the other hand, has been used as a repacking and releasing area for relief goods.

Hontiveros hopes that barangay representatives will coordinate with them first before getting the goods since they have schedules of releasing.

This is so as not to disrupt the flow of the production at the Cebu Coliseum and maintain social distancing.

For those who are adamant or concerned about the risks that athletes will have to make when using these sports facilities later, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera said that all facilities utilized will be sanitized and assured it will be safe for use for sporting events again.

Even right now, regular sanitation has been done for everyone’s safety.

Earlier, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has also announced that it has offered the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the Philsports Complex either as a temporary medical facility or repacking center for relief goods as part of their contribution to solving this crisis.

PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said that “we need to volunteer our facilities in the interest of the greater good”.  GAN (FREEMAN)