The Valencia City Central School (VCCS) was designated as the sole and centralized quarantine facility for all suspected and probable COVID-19 patients.
Mayor Azucena Huervas said this move will also form part of the city government’s overall strategy as they plan the “phased reopening” of their economy.
In a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Policarpo Murillo, dated April 21, Huervas issued a guideline to ensure that probable and suspected cases are given proper medical monitoring, evaluation, and care. This includes all residents of Valencia City who sneaked in the borders from the areas with travel restriction or a history of exposure to a person who is COVID-19 positive.
The mayor also said that confirmed patients who are severe or critical, as well as those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, shall be brought to the appropriate medical facility in accordance with the Department of Health (DOH) protocols.
“In enforcing this authority, you may seek the assistance of the PNP (Philippine National Police) Valencia City and the City Task Force under the City Administrator’s Office,” said the city mayor in her letter.
Huervas has also given the vice mayor the authority to mobilize all resources in containing the spread of COVID-19 and assign personnel to monitor all cases, in coordination with the city health officer, the local government’s medical and healthcare workers.
The mayor has also directed the barangay captains to coordinate with the vice mayor to promptly report all suspected cases to the Valencia City Task Force COVID-19. Excluded from this directive, however, are the residents of Barangay Lumbayao as they are still under the strict enhanced community quarantine until 6 p.m. of April 26.
