The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is adding more temporary isolation facilities to cater to the influx of returning residents who may be tested positive for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) but are asymptomatic.

In San Nicolas town, a government training facility was temporarily converted as an isolation facility with a total of 67 cubicles found in the first and second floors of the building.

The quarantine facility head of Ilocos Norte, Dr. Rina Corpuz said there are at least four admitted residents as of the moment with assigned nurses who are assisting them.

As they expect more returning residents in the next few days, Joseph Olvina said Thursday they are now preparing for the program of works for the Takuat Training Center expansion.

“The Takuat Training Center’s expansion unit may be used as an alternative site to house Covid-19 patients if the Covid-19 hospitals reach maximum capacity,” he said.

To date, the provincial government has 11 quarantine facilities and two isolation facilities. These are the newly-improved Department of Public Works and Highways and Takuat Training Center facilities that can accommodate a total of 54 residents.

From March 30 to Sept. 23, a total of 6,941 returning residents were already served. Of these, at least 1,995 of them came from abroad. (PNA)