The Ninoy Aquino Stadium at the Rizal Memorial Complex is now under the control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Health.
Senior Executive Assistant and National Training Director Marc Velasco of the Philippine Sports Commission said this after the stadium became operational as an “instant hospital” yesterday.
“No PSC staff is involved here. This area is now controlled by the AFP and the DOH,” said Velasco.
The facility will now be ready to accept coronavirus (Covid-19) positive patients with mild symptoms and those who are asymptomatic by Wednesday.
Around 112 beds have been installed, to be manned by the AFP Medical Corps.
The beds will be in individual air-conditioned cubicles, with plug-in outlets, free internet connection and round-the-clock monitoring by the medical staff.
Free food will also be provided to both patients and frontliners in all quarantine facilities being readied by the national government.
Officials said the establishment of instant hospitals in Metro Manila and other parts of the country is a joint effort by the national government and the private sector to reduce the community spread of COVID-19.
This will also help in decongesting hospitals in Metro Manila and ensure protection of both patients and frontliners from the disease.
Velasco explained that the facilities at the Philsports Complex will be part of the plan of the government to be converted into instant hospitals.
“It was not put on the table after the coordination meetings,” added Velasco.
Prime BMD and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. of the Razon Group fast-tracked the completion of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium quarantine facility in just five days.
It was inspected yesterday by government officials, led by National Task Force COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
They also inspected two other quarantine facilities, the Philippine International Convention Center and World Trade Center.
More than 800 members of the national team continued to remain healthy and free from any health issues related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Velasco said the PSC will coordinate with the DOH on the tests that will be done on them.