COVID isolation center hit for being ‘dirty’

CEBU, Philippines — A group of business process outsourcing (BPO) employees was disappointed over the government’s implementation of quarantine protocols and the filthy conditions at an isolation center.

The workers residing in Barangay Apas, Cebu City said they were swabbed for COVID-19 after their boardmate reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

During the swab testing, they were reportedly told by those in personal protective equipment (PPE) suits to go on home quarantine while awaiting the test results.

But to their surprise, they were instead brought to the Lahug Elementary School, the designated barangay isolation center (BIC).

One of the isolated BPO employees also said they were promised that “everything” will be provided for them and the center is equipped with air conditioning units.

But, as it turned out, the BIC was a “complete mess.”

“We are isolated in a filthy room on the third floor of the violet building. The center also has no water supply,” said the employee.

Photos showing trash scattered on the floor and an untidy bathroom were posted online.

This was not the first time that the same complaint of dirty and unsanitary classrooms at the Lahug Elementary School and some other BICs surfaced.

But Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera expressed doubt on the workers’ claims.

He said BICs are cleaned up before catering to patients.

“I don’t believe that. It is not true. Before it is being occupied, amo na ng gihinluan. It’s very unfair nga mag-post-post lang dayon og ing-ana,” he said.

As for the lack of water supply, he said, the city government is putting up big water tanks to address the issue.

“Whether you like it or not, the entire Cebu has a water crisis,” he said.

He also reminded isolated patients not to expect a hotel-like accommodation at the BICs.

“So don’t expect na mura nag hotel diha. Kanang mga hugaw diha, ilaha ra na,” he said.

He also reminded the patients at the BICs to regularly keep their surroundings clean and tidy.

“They should clean it up themselves just like at their own home as there are no personnel assigned there to clean the area,” he said.

Aside from dirty and unsanitized BIC, the BPO workers also complained about the lack of food.

Moreover, Garganera said ‘probable’ COVID patients, including the BPO workers, will be sent home as agreed upon by the officials of the Department of Health (DOH) and city government.

“Kanang mga probable, papaulion na na. We have agreed with DOH nga kanang mga gi-swab, it’s better for them to stay at home,” said Garganera. KQD (FREEMAN)