Netizens have been criticizing Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for days now, mostly for her unsatisfactory handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
Now, even the veteran actresses are reacting to the news that three COVID-19 positive patients were allowed to go home because of a lack of space in hospitals.
Assistant Film Director Jo Macasa could not believe three COVID-19-positive patients were sent home in Quezon City while the Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian was able to convert a basketball court into a quarantine facility.
https://www.facebook.com/missjomacasa/posts/10158212586341031?__cft__[0]=AZW98fO4ItUnRQlo55HMID63ac-qsG8Y2dYc8XlAZRvn63ZwDtOm27VAdSan7SHd-oiy8xZlmBxRs0AhTPJHdHuCRi22Hp8FKZWnCzlj7mJ8wd7O-PvwToKq4FHOuSjgABI&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
On Macasa’s post, Jaclyn Jose commented that Belmonte could have brought the patients to a hotel nearby where the owner is willing to convert the establishment as a temporary quarantine facility.
Aside from Jaclyn, Laurice Guillen, and Elizabeth Oropesa are now worried about the status of Quezon City where some of them are residing.
Tetchie Agbayani also suggested that Belmonte could have asked other mayors if she can transfer the 3 patients positive for COVID-19 instead of sending them home where risk can become higher.
In addition to that, YouTube Vlogger and ABS-CBN star Alex Gonzaga express her dismay on her Twitter account. As per Alex, Belmonte’s decision to sent home the 3 patients might prolong the pandemic instead of providing solutions.
Nakakalungkot naman to watch an interview saying Covid patients are sent home because of lack of space sa facilities. We want this quarantine to end so people can get back on their feet na but with this kind of news from the authorities baka ma-prolong pa. Lord pls help us!
— Alex Gonzaga-Morada (@Mscathygonzaga) March 22, 2020
Pokwang suggested utilizing the Araneta Coliseum as temporary quarantine facilities just like what the Valenzuela Mayor did with a basketball court.
https://twitter.com/pokwang27/status/1241582313495867392
The head of Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Dr. Rolando Cruz clarified that Belmonte’s decision to send home the 3 COVID-19 patients is still valid based on the Department of Health guidelines.
DOH’s guideline under Memorandum No. 2020-0108
“Persons under investigation (PUIs) and positive COVID-19 patients who exhibit mild symptoms with no co-morbidities and are non-elderly are advised to be sent home for strict self-isolation and close monitoring by local health authorities.”
In line with this, Cruz confirmed that the 3 patients that were sent home by Belmonte will be strictly monitored by uniformed personnel with the necessary assistance to ensure their isolation. Furthermore, the local government unit successfully identified some facilities where positive patients can be accommodated in a hotel.
