Negros Occidental’s provincial government unveiled the 100-bed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Isolation Facility at the district hospital in the northern city of Cadiz on Friday.

The inauguration rites marked the first public appearance of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson exactly a week after he went on a health break on January 21 and tested positive for the virus the following day.

“Right now, we are extending the capacity of our Covid-19 hospital. We have officially 93 beds, plus I think a hundred beds here in this new building. I hope you have not gotten tired of taking care of the Negrenses,” the governor said in his message to hospital officials and personnel during the program.

At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, the provincial government designated the Cadiz District Hospital as its first health facility dedicated to Covid-19 cases.

When cases continued to increase, Lacson directed the establishment of the Valladolid District Hospital in Valladolid town and the Valeriano M. Gatuslao Memorial District Hospital in Himamaylan City, both in southern Negros, as Covid-19 hospitals as well.

However, after infections continued to decrease towards the end of 2021, the two hospitals were allowed to cater to medical cases other than Covid-19.

“I do hope the present case does not warrant us to open the two other Covid-19 hospitals. I hope the center here would be enough,” he added.

Lacson emphasized the importance of vaccination to fight the virus, saying he thinks being vaccinated and getting a booster shot have helped him cope well with the infection.

“There’s really more reason now to push for vaccination,” he added.

Dr. Josephine Pahamtang, chief of the Cadiz District Hospital, said after the recent surge in cases, they have admitted 124 Covid-19 patients.

“It’s time to open the building to serve the people of the province,” she added.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the Covid-19 Isolation Facility at the Cadiz District Hospital would not only aid Negros Occidental during the pandemic but even beyond.

“Under Governor Lacson, the health sector has been given priority and this is a testament to that,” he said.

As of January 28, Negros Occidental has logged 2,903 active Covid-19 cases, based on the report of the Provincial Incident Management Team. (PNA)