Sports venues being considered as temporary medical facilities

By Kristel Satumbaga

Government sports facilities are being considered as temporary medical facilities as the country fights for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, PSC chairman Butch Ramirez said Sunday.

Ramirez said the Department of Public Works and Highways are assessing the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City on how they can be used was affected cases in the country continue to rise.

Specific venues being considered are the Multi-Purpose Arena and the track oval at the Philsports Complex, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Baseball Stadium.

All these venues have been previously used as evacuation centers, warehouses, and repacking centers for relief goods during calamities.

“These times call for unselfish patriotism. These times call for everyone to be heroes, even. Let us step up to the plate, so to speak. This is us, the sporting community stepping up to bat,” said Ramirez in a statement posted on the PSC’s social media accounts.

The Department of Health will first approve of these venues based on requirements. If approved, the venues would help with decongesting the hospitals.

Athletes and coaches have already been advised to go home prior to the Enhanced Community Quarantine two weeks ago, although around 30 athletes and coaches failed to do so and were left at the Philsports Complex dormitories.

Senior Executive Assistance and National Training Director Marc Velasco, however, assured the safety of these athletes and coaches especially when the plan to use the venues as medical facilities takes place.

Source: Manila Bulletin