Nurse, barangay argue on lockdown policies

Tensions were high in an area under special concern lockdown in Barangay Doña Imelda, Quezon City, because an authorized person outside residence (APOR) who was supposed to go to work insisted on going out.

The APOR, a nurse, was about to go on duty at the hospital when he was stopped by the barangay guard.

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The nurse and 2 of her fellow APORs repeatedly insisted that they leave the house, but the barangay staff still denied their request.

The guard later asked for a response from the police and the councilor in charge of the health committee of the barangay to explain to APOR the order of the local government unit.

Based on the memorandum, when APOR goes out, it will not be allowed to return to the area.

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Dr. Rolly Cruz, chief of the Quezon City epidemiology and surveillance unit, clarified that the barangay is right.

He said APORs are given the opportunity to choose whether they want to be outside or inside the lockdown area before it is declared.

APORs can only return after 2 weeks or after the lockdown and must show a negative RT-PCR test, Cruz said.

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Nurse, barangay argue on lockdown policies

If they leave the community, the employer must be responsible for the APOR’s accommodation, Cruz said.

There were 5 cases of COVID-19 recorded in the said lockdown area.

According to the local government, there are more than 4,000 active COVID-19 cases in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said hospitals that are already full due to patients with COVID-19 should gradually add COVID-19 beds.

From the previous 30 percent, public hospitals could be raised to 40 to 50 percent when there is a surge.

From 20 percent, private hospitals can increase their COVID-19 bed capacity to 30 percent, Vega said.

The One Hospital Command Center admitted that they have difficulty finding hospitals for the patients who call them.

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