IN ANTICIPATION of a possible overspill of patients at hospitals, the Davao City Government is preparing for the implementation of home isolation for Covid-19 patients.
"Base sa (on the) DOH [Department of Health] ug (and) DILG [Department of Interior and Local Government] nga (on the) memorandum orders on home isolations, we are already preparing that guide for home isolation, and naghatag na pud og request ang Davao Doctors Hospital nga mag-implement sa ilang (the Davao Doctors Hospital already sent their request to implement) home care programs, and that was allowed as well," the mayor said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.
The mayor said there are already the guidelines, and that it is set to be issued to the public on an indefinite date.
The health group of the response cluster, who crafted the guidelines, is currently coordinating with the district health offices on how to manage home isolation.
Earlier, the City Government has approved the request of the Davao Doctors (DDH) Home Care Program for Covid-19 positive patients in the wake of the massive surge in new cases.
Duterte-Carpio, in a September 7 reply letter to DDH medical doctor Ronald P. Tangente, said, “We hope that through our collective efforts, we may continue to work together and count on your support on our Covid-19 response measures in Davao City.”
The mayor underscored the need to further implement response strategies to address the Covid19 surge “as hospitals are currently overrun by the increasing number of patients every day.”
DDH, on its official Facebook page posted on the evening of September 7, said its request aims to augment efforts amid the surge of Covid-19 cases that continues to overwhelm the city’s healthcare facilities.
Duterte-Carpio, however, clarified that home isolation is not for Covid-19 patients that are high risk or those under severe and critical condition, which requires oxygen and other critical care.
"Home isolation can be done only by mild and asymptomatic cases," she said.
She added that those under home isolation will be placed under home lockdown.
Previously, the City Government did not allow home isolation and quarantine, in accordance with the policy of the national government.
Based on their discussion with the Department of Health, Southern Philippines Medical Center, and other private hospitals, the mayor said it is "clear" that the city is on a surge as beds in hospitals and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMF) are fully occupied while supply of medical oxygen tanks are running low.
Meanwhile, the mayor said the city continues to implement the distribution of Caring for Patients Awaiting Transport (CPAT) kits. Each patient gets a care kit consisting of a digital thermometer, pulse oximeter, vitamin C, paracetamol, disposable face masks, and alcohol while awaiting transport to an isolation facility.
The mayor said the CPAT program recently resumed after the city temporarily suspended it due to the gradual decrease of active cases in the city, resulting in the accommodation of patients in the city’s facilities.