The Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila is now operational as a quarantine facility for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

Galvez said the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) can start referring COVID-19 positive asymptomatic and symptomatic patients on Tuesday, April 7.

“Our strategy is to transfer patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms. It will also be manned by three doctors and 50 nurses from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police medical services,” Galvez told doctors from private hospitals.

COVID-19 positive asymptomatic and symptomatic patients referred by PGH will stay in air-conditioned cubicles at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

They will also be given free food, free internet connection, and will be monitored 24/7 by doctors and nurses from the AFP and PNP.

The government partnered with several private firms to help convert Rizal Memorial Complex and other sports complexes and convention centers into quarantine sites.

Galvez also said the distribution of medical supplies such as personal protective equipment to government and private hospitals across Metro Manila is being prioritized by the National Task Force.

On March 31, a total of 15,000 PPEs arrived at Villamor Airbase.

Of this number, 12,000 were delivered immediately to COVID-19 designated hospitals Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, and Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, and San Lazaro Hospital, the task force said./Stacy Ang