Metro Manila mayors should increase capacity in isolation centers for asymptomatic patients and do away with home quarantines, which was shown to hasten the spread of the disease, the chief implementer of the country's COVID-19 strategy said late Thursday.
Cities and municipalities should each allocate at least 1,000 beds for mild and asymptomatic patients at least 250 beds for severe cases, said Sec. Carlito Galvez.
"Naninindigan po tayo sa ating paniniwalang hindi makakabuti ang home quarantine sa karamihan ng mga pasyente, especially for mild or asymptomatic patients. Katulad po ng ating sinabi, sa tahanan po mabilis na kumalat ang sakit. Dahil medyo relaxed po tayo. Doon tayo medyo unguarded, dito sa ating mga bahay," Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said.
(We stand by our belief that home quarantine does not help majority of patients, especially for mild and asymptomatic patients. Like we said, it is in the home that the virus quickly spreads. It's because we're relaxed there. That is where we are unguarded, in our homes.)
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Galvez also called on COVID-19 positive individuals to immediately inform authorities of their condition to prevent the spread of the virus among families and help in contact-tracing efforts. Confirmed patients must be brought to a quarantine facility or hospital depending on the severity of the symptoms.
