Due to rise in COVID-19 cases: More staff for Noah Complex sought

CEBU, Philippines —  Acting Cebu City Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros is asking for staff augmentation and support for the Noah (New Oasis for Adaptation and a home) Complex from the city government and the Department of Health (DOH).

With a seemingly endless number of patients trooping in for health care and with the relentless pressure, Hontiveros fears that the workers will burn out.

Hontiveros, who also sits as the assistant manager of the DOH-accredited facility for asymptomatic patients, said the complex has 47 workers—three doctors, 17 nurses, 10 barangay health works, six administrative personnel, two logistics personnel, seven guards and janitors, and two drivers on rotation.

With the increasing COVID-19 cases in the city, he said, the Noah Complex management needs more nurses and other personnel.

At present, 336 patients are isolated in the 316-bed capacity facility at the South Road Properties.

“Despite the expansion, the complex is now running at full capacity. It is a clear reminder for all of us that even as the city welcomes the New Year with a semblance of normalcy that the economy requires to get a much-needed jump start, the virus is still very much around. COVID is as present as it was in March 2020,” Hontiveros said during the City Council session last Wednesday.

Also, Hontiveros is asking the city’s Department of General Services for additional janitorial support, and essential materials and equipment for the facility’s sanitation.

Aside from personnel, Hontiveros is hoping that the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council would allocate a food budget for the workers and the patients at the Noah Complex.

Quarantine center reopens

As the Noah Complex gets overwhelmed and the IC3 with 55 of its 130-bed capacity for mild and moderate symptoms are already occupied, the city government reopened the controversial Cebu City Quarantine Center at the North Reclamation Area yesterday.

The P100-million facility was shut down two months after its construction due to water leaks and minor repairs.

CCQC, which is managed by the Cebu City Medical Center, caters to mild and moderate COVID-19 cases. — KQD (FREEMAN)