DAVAO CITY, July 13 (PIA) – The local government of Digos City has opened its newly-built isolation building which can accommodate up to 40 COVID-19 patients.

“This is the best way to curb the spread of COVID-19. To immediately isolate (COVID-19 positive patients) and prevent infection to others,” Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas stated in a recently-held turnover ceremony of the isolation facility to the officials of Barangay Igpit.

The 40-bed capacity isolation facility has complete amenities per room, such as comfort room, bed with beddings, table, chair and electric fan.

The concrete building, which is worth P5 million, is funded by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, bared Ojela Mae Entero, the City Planning and Development Coordinator.

Cagas has once again reminded his constituents to religiously practice the minimum health protocols, saying “we should be reminded every day that we are at risk to be infected.”

As of Monday (July 12), the City Health Office of Digos City has recorded a total of 1,946 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 541 currently admitted cases. There have been 1,358 recoveries and 44 deaths.  

Meanwhile, the LGU is set to intensify barangay visits to reach out to senior citizens and residents with comorbidities, following the low vaccination rate for the A2 and A3 priority groups in the city.

Vice Mayor Johari Baña said that the LGU will also conduct focus group discussions with the leaders of the senior citizens together with the punong barangays and City Social Welfare and Development.

“So that we will know the reason why they don’t want to be vaccinated… We will know exactly what to do, so that we can convince them,” Baña stated during Monday’s episode of the “Gobyernong Balitaan” radio program over Energy FM Digos.

The Vice-Mayor has called on the constituents of Digos City to take advantage of the available vaccines as the best protection from COVID-19, as he assured that the vaccines are safe.

“I’m encouraging everyone, especially when it’s your turn to get vaccinated. Help convince others to be vaccinated,” he urged.

At so many levels, we can do something,” he said as he raised the importance of the cooperation of the individuals to help the government achieve the herd immunity. (CLC/PIA-XI)