THE Iloilo Provincial Government is preparing a hospital isolation room in case of a spillover of the novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) in the province.

The isolation room will be stationed at Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital (DRYLMDH) in Lambunao town and will cater to persons under investigation (PUI).

PUIs are those who are showing flu-like symptoms.

Hospital Management Office chief Dr. Cynthia Cabangal-Ng said DRYLMDH was chosen, as it currently has six isolation units and is capable of providing extension rooms.

“If ever there will be a spillover, we can possibly transfer all patients of Lambunao to other district hospitals. Lambunao will then be dedicated to PUIs only,” she said.

She added that the hospital personnel who will handle the patients will undergo training on self-protection.

But Ng said the province remains coronavirus-free.

Meanwhile, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said the Provincial Government is now accelerating the purchase of protective gears for use of hospital personnel, as well as additional thermal scanners.

Defensor also appealed for donations of hospital equipment from the private sector. (PR)