MANILA — The provincial government of Rizal has started converting parts of its six hospitals into isolation wards for suspect and probable cases of COVID-19.

At the Rizal Provincial Hospital Main in Morong, a 5-room ward area was converted into an isolation facility that can accommodate 15 to 20 beds. It is separate from the emergency room, where three suspect cases are under care.

According to Rizal Acting Governor Reynaldo San Juan, they are also looking to expand their capacity by using private establishments as isolation areas, in addition to the planned 60-bed isolation wards for the whole province.

“It’s possible po, from day to day tinitingnan po natin, pinag-aaralan po natin pagdating ng suspect or probable cases ng ating COVID-19 cases,” San Juan said.

(It's possible, from day to day we will look at it, study it when suspect or probable cases come.)

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Iluminado Victoria said continuous disinfeciton will be done especially, especially in comfort rooms at wards to be shared by three patients.

Each cubicle is separated by plastic sheeting to prevent physical interaction between individuals.

“So pagka may pumasok na pasyente at may kasama pa siya na dalawang pasyente at gumamit sila ng CR, right away idi-disinfect agad."

(So when a patient comes in and he shares it with two other patients, right away it will be disinfected.)

The provincial government also reiterated to Rizal residents to stay at home as transmissions of COVID-19 continue.

Meanwhile, San Juan said Gov. Nini Henares, who was earlier diagnosed with COVID-19, has already tested negative and is now on home quarantine.