MANILA, Philippines — The number of active COVID-19 cases in San Juan has dropped by at least 42 percent, Mayor Francis Zamora said yesterday.
There are 702 COVID-19 patients in San Juan, which is lower compared to the highest recorded total active cases of 1,226 last April 14, a decrease of 42.74 percent, he said.
Zamora attributed the decrease to the national government’s imposition of enhanced community quarantine in the National Capital Region Plus during a surge in COVID-19 cases in March. The restrictions were later downgraded to a modified ECQ to reopen some businesses.
The situation at the San Juan Medical Center has improved, according to Zamora, as only 60 to 70 percent of the 76 beds for COVID-19 patients are occupied. Two other quarantine facilities have a total occupancy rate of 80 percent, he added.
“We saw the effect of ECQ and MECQ,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of a 52-bed quarantine facility along P. Guevarra Extension. The facility, situated near the Pinaglabanan Shrine, was built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Made of shipping containers, each room – designed to accommodate one person – has its own bed, air-conditioning unit and toilet. Police officers will secure the facility to prevent the entry of outsiders.
Zamora lauded the DPWH for the facility as it will ease the congestion in the city’s other isolation centers.
“This means we are much more equipped now to take on more asymptomatic patients and those who are experiencing mild symptoms so they can no longer infect their loved ones at home,” he said.
Patients will receive free treatment, food and P3,000 in financial aid during their confinement.