By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported that the allocated beds for COVID-19 patients in three hospitals are nearly at full capacity.
The affected hospitals include the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the National Kidney Transplant Institute, and the Medical City.
Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag emphasized the severity of the situation in a recent television interview, stating, “Halos sagad na po ‘yung mga kaso ng COVID nila doon sa allocated beds sa mga nasabing ospital. Sa pangkalahatan, ang ibang rehiyon naman ay hindi pa umaabot sa ganong sitwasyon” (Translation: Cases of COVID are almost reaching the full capacity of the allocated beds in these hospitals. Generally, other regions have not yet reached such a situation).
In response to the rising cases, the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has implemented the mandatory use of face masks as a preventive measure.
DOH recommends the use of face masks, especially for senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals who have not completed their vaccine doses.
Tayag stated, “Sa amin naman sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan, ang pagsusuot ng mask ay aming nirerekomenda sa mga senior citizen, mga buntis, mahina ang katawan, lalong lalo na hindi naman nakumpleto ang bakuna po” (Translation: In the Department of Health, we recommend the use of masks for senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, especially those who have not completed their vaccine doses).
(ai/mnm)
