By Waylon Galvez
Just like the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City in Pasig will also be converted into a facility for patients with mild cases of COVID-19.
But unlike the two venues inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, PhilSports still has 33 athletes housed.
Officials from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inspect the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, which will be converted into a temporary shelter for patients showing mild symptoms of the COVID-19. (PSC Images)
Philippine Sports Commission national training director Marc Velasco assisted officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways Monday during an ocular inspection, and allayed fears of athletes regarding their proximity to the would-be shelter.
“It’s between 200 to 300 meters yung layo from the quarters, and may pagitan naman na mataas na wall,” said Velasco. “Ang sabi din ng Department of Health ‘nothing to worry.’”
“Of course may worry, naka-usap namin yung ibang athletes and employees, but we’re assured na walang magiging problema with regards sa health and safety nila.”
Majority of the athletes staying at the PhilSports quarters are from the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled who failed to get airplane tickets to go back to their provinces.
Velasco said there are also five members of the junior’s boxing national team who were stranded at the airport following the Luzon-wide lockdown implemented by the government.
“Inabutan na kasi sila ng lockdown so hindi na sila mga naka-uwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya. Kaya sa quarters natin sa PhilSports sila nag-stay muna and we’re taking good care of them,” said Velasco.
Since last week, health officials have been using the Ninoy Aquino Stadium for patients’ treatment, while the Rizal Memorial Coliseum is being considered as a backup for Person Under Investigation or PUI with COVID-19.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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