Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO and National Task Force Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon on Saturday inspected the facilities in New Clark City which are currently operating as quarantine centers for COVID-positive patients, after Typhoon Ulysses battered most parts of Luzon, including Pampanga and Tarlac.
The National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) in New Clark City is currently being occupied by 428 COVID-positive patients who are asymptomatic, and with mild symptoms. These patients compose of returning overseas Filipino workers, and residents of Pampanga and Tarlac. The NGAC facility can accommodate close to 700 patients at maximum occupancy.
“Thankfully, wala naman nasira sa NGAC facility kahit napakalakas ng ulan at hangin na naranasan dito. The resilient metropolis of New Clark City has always been ready for any and all situations, including strong typhoons,” Dizon said.
During the inspection joined by BCDA Vice President for Business Development Arrey Perez, Duty Physician Dra. Jenna Sison and NGAC Head Nurse April Rose Palafox, they also sent off three OFW patients who have recovered from COVID-19.
Dizon also checked on the heath workers and their needs, given that the number of admissions in the NGAC facility have been rising to 40 patients per day for the past two weeks.
“We are very thankful to our health workers who are tirelessly taking care of the patients. Kahit may bagyo, hinding hindi nila pinabayaan ang ating mga pasyente,” said Dizon.
Apart from the NGAC, the Athletes’ Village in New Clark City is also being temporarily used as a quarantine facility catering to residents of Pampanga and Tarlac. The New Clark City Athletes’ Village also served as a quarantine facility for OFWs repatriated from Wuhan, China back in February. Repatriates from the MV Diamond Princess and MV Grand Princess also stayed at the Athletes’ Village in February and March to complete their 14-day quarantine period.
The COVID quarantine facilities in Clark have provided medical care and treatment to a total of 10,000 individuals and counting.