No need to refer asymptomatic patients to hospitals-DOH 

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, July 5 (PIA) – – The Department of Health (DOH) here recently issued a memorandum to all Local Government Units (LGUs) and health institutions informing them that asymptomatic COVID-19 cases should no longer be brought to DOH referral hospitals to prevent congestion.

According to Dr. Rio Magpantay, DOH regional director, all asymptomatic positive patients will be managed in the temporary treatment and monitoring facilities or community isolation units provided by the LGUs which are equipped, functional and capable of isolating COVID-19 cases as per DOH standards.

Magpantay said due to the increasing COVID-19 confirmed cases in region 2, who are mostly locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipinos, it is very important to manage the surge capacity of health facilities.

He said part of the surge capacity plan of DOH is to prevent the congestion in the DOH referral hospitals for COVID-19 regionwide.

“We need to reserve our hospital beds for severe and critical cases as we anticipate a surge of cases here,” Magpantay said.

He also ensured the functionality, capability and cleanliness of the quarantine or isolation facilities maintained by the LGUs.

At present, Cagayan Valley region has already recorded 115 confirmed cases, of which 60 are active cases but are asymptomatic, 41 fully recovered, 13 clinically recovered and one recorded death. (ALM/OTB/PIA-2)