Household lockdowns imposed in Davao

MANILA, Philippines — Strict household lockdowns are being imposed in Davao City amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Michelle Schlosser, city COVID-19 task force spokesperson, said they are coordinating with the police, barangay officials and city and district health offices to effectively monitor household lockdowns.

“This is a collaborative effort when we do any type of lockdown, whether it be establishment or household,” Schlosser said.

The city logged 700 new cases and five Delta variants as of Thursday.

Beds allotted for COVID patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City and even in private hospitals in Davao del Norte are at full capacity.

“We have a massive surge in cases, 700 is not a joke. It’s our highest number of COVID-19 cases. Our Delta cases also increased, from 16 we now have 21,” Schlosser said.

She urged close contacts of COVID patients to stay home, go on quarantine and undergo swab testing.

Meanwhile, the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBMLH) in San Fernando, Pampanga has stopped accepting referrals after its COVID beds have reached full capacity.

The JBLMH is a level 3 hospital in Central Luzon that caters to severe and critical cases.

Medical center chief Monserrat Chichioco said COVID wards and critical care units were full, with 70 other patients in the emergency room and isolation tents waiting to be admitted.

“Ang dami talagang nag wa-walk-in kahit dini-discourage namin,” Chichioco said.

Patients with mild and moderate symptoms were advised to coordinate with level 1 and 2 hospitals. – Ramon Efren Lazaro