CALOOCAN CITY, July 14 (PIA) – Coronavirus testing czar and National Task Force Against COVID Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday announced that government is launching “Oplan Kalinga” a program that aims to isolate to another facility, COVID-19 positive patients who are incapable of following the latest home quarantine rules.

Dizon, who also attended a media briefing held by national and local officials in Taguig City to drumbeat government’s COVID-19 response strategies, explained that under Oplan Kalinga, authorities would have to escort COVID-19 patients from their houses to government isolation facilities if they fail to qualify for home quarantine.

“Ito po ay aktibong pag-coordinate sa ating LGUs [local government units] sa mga taong hindi pwedeng pumasok sa kategorya ng home quarantine,” he said.

“Hindi na po papayagang mag-home quarantine ang mga taong walang sariling kuwarto at banyo,” he added, emphasizing that government implements these guidelines in order to cut the risk of spreading COVID-19 within the same household.

“Ang mga may kasamang seniors, buntis at mga may sakit sa bahay ay hindi rin puwedeng mag home quarantine,” he furthered, saying those eligible for home quarantine should not be living with those belonging to the vulnerable sectors such as pregnant women or senior citizens, or those with comorbidities.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reminded patients who will choose to stay at home to observe quarantine rules, such as having a room and bathroom that isn’t shared with other members of the household.

They also need to be constantly monitored by barangay health officials, the DOH said.

“In Navotas, we picked up more than 50 patients and brought to mega quarantine centers. We will fetch 40 patients in Malabon today, other LGUs will be visited to fetch patients in the coming days,” he said.

Dizon, however, reported that the “We Heal As One” centers in Metro Manila is running at 50% capacity, but insisted more will be opened in the coming days to cater to patients.

“Hindi lang dapat sa ospital, dapat nag-uusap kasama ang quarantine facilities para mailipat ang ibang pasyente na pagaling na,” he said. (PIA NCR)