DOTr, PPA use facilities to treat Covid-19 patients

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have converted two of their quarantine facilities into isolation centers for the treatment of Covid-19 patients to help decongest hospitals amid the surge of cases in the country.

The DOTr said the quarantine facilities are those located at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Pier 15 in Manila and the Port of Capinpin Quarantine Facility in Orion town in Bataan.

"The move aims to immediately respond to the urgent need of hospitals and other medical facilities, which are now full with Covid-19 patients being treated," the agency stated.

The Eva Macapagal Super Terminal has a total of 211 cubicles and is equipped with hospital beds, portable toilets, cargo containers for showers and open-air dining facilities.

Meanwhile, the Port Capinpin Quarantine Facility that has 124 beds was initially intended to accommodate seafarers participating in crew change activities, returning overseas Filipino workers, as well as non-OFWs.