First batch of isolated Luz patients ends quarantine

CEBU, Philippines — The first batch of COVID-19 patients transferred to the isolation center in Barangay Luz, Cebu City is set to complete their 14-day quarantine today but it looks as though they may have to extend their stay.

One of the patients told The FREEMAN that no one from the City Health Department or the barangay has briefed them on the next steps, at least as of yesterday.

The first batch consists of 67 patients from Sitio Zapatera showing no signs of the disease. Another patient from Cebu City Medical Center who lacked a few days in isolation was transferred to the facility and joined the batch.

Roy Genares, who has been instrumental in keeping fellow patients active and fit, said that there was no order yet on what they should do next.

Genares, however, said it looks like they are bound to stay longer since they currently have no safe place to go. Some cases had opted for home quarantine while other residents are suspected to have the virus but have not yet been tested.

“Dili pa mi kauli ani sa amoa. Wala man pud mi laing choice, asa man ni moadto pud kung daghan pa ng cases sa amoa? Wala pa pud na swab test ang uban, unya infected ang lugar. Magbalik-balik ning sakit namo ani,” said Genares, a school principal.

Aside from the first batch, 59 other patients are also in the isolation center in Barrio Luz Elementary School. They are composed of other patients from Sitio Zapatera, those from Sitios Sto. Niño and San Vicente, and five patients from CCMC.

The different batches are barricaded from one another and not put together in one building.

The patients’ body temperatures are checked daily. Maintenance medicines are also provided for those with existing health conditions. Other than that, the patients are left on their own to engage in physical activities that can make them fit and stress-free.

Genares said a Zumba-type fitness activity is held daily at the center. They also have prayer sessions at different times of the day while the children have been subjected to “debriefing” activities like doing artworks.

Genares, a former guidance counselor, said these are his own initiatives but he is helped by social workers outside who advise the patients via online platform.

As for adult patients, Genares had wanted to do some non-contact sports activities, such as chess and badminton, but there is no equipment available at the moment.

He said he relayed these initiatives to the other batches for possible replication.

“If inig test, mag-double negative na ko, I can already transfer leadership to students here. So that even in my absence, dili sad sila magproblema ug maguol diri,” he said.  JMD (FREEMAN)