TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - The Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) reported that it has reached its COVID-19 capacity for several days now. 

Dr. Glenn Mathew Baggao, chief of hospital, said that the occupancy rate of hospital’s COVID-19 ward beds has exceeded in just two weeks as they were able to receive over 200 COVID-19 patients, both confirmed and suspected cases.

He said of the 164 confirmed cases, 146 are from Cagayan province, 15 from Isabela, two from Kalinga and one from Apayao while there are 37 suspected cases to include one who was airlifted from Batanes province. 

"We only have 150 beds for COVID-19 patients but with the surge of the cases now, we will add additional 50 beds in our COVID ward," Baggao said.

He also admitted that there are now some patients outside of the COVID ward and some chose to saty inside their vehicles as they wait for vacant rooms.

"We are now looking for some hotel rooms to be converted into a step down facilities where we will transfer the recovering patients so that we can accommodate those patients outside, especially those severe and critical cases," he added. 

With this increasing number of cases, Baggao said the Department of Health has expressed its support to augment the workforce of the hospital who will take care of the patients including additional supplies and necessary equipment needed. 

The CVMC has also started fielding more personnel in the COVID-19 ward, enough to treat the increasing number of coronavirus patients.

Baggao also reminded the public to follow the minimum health standard, especially the proper use of facemasks, faceshields, observance of social distancing and avoid mass gathering. (OTB/ PIA Cagayan)