DOTr, 2GO create quarantine ships for Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients

MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is collaborating with 2Go shipping to convert its cargo vessels into
quarantine ships. The goal of this action is to help control the transmission of COVID-19 for incoming seafarers and other Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are expected to go through a 14-day quarantine before going home to their respective families.

As recommended on March 22, 2020 by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), private passenger ships will be transformed into makeshift quarantine facilities since more repatriates are expected to go back to the country.

2GO Shipping has already decided to transform two of its vessels into "quarantine ships." This is to aid in accommodating 1,500 patients and will be completely functional by next week.

The project will be carried out in close cooperation with the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and the Department of Health (DOH).  This is also intended to provide assistance to hospitals that are currently operating at their maximum capacity.

In a meeting on March 30, 2020, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) gave the DOTr and PCG the go signal to enforce the operation of
"quarantine ships" as makeshift facilities for persons under monitoring (PUMs). These are identified as individuals who have gone to COVID-19-affected locations and those who exhibit signs and symptoms of the virus but have no background of exposure.

According to DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, “bayanihan” is essential during these trying times — regardless of whether people belong to the private sector or the government. There is a need to help as one nation and that everyone needs to be prepared for unexpected circumstances. He added that most healthcare facilities in Metro Manila have been asking for support in responding to COVID-19 patients. There are a few hospitals that cannot accommodate patients anymore because of overcapacity. This is a significant concern being dealt with at the moment. Moreover, they are going to use these "quarantine ships" to support several residents, medical frontliners, and hospitals.

Furthermore, the PCG will also ensure that the quarantine ships will be unhindered and organized in terms of its operations. PCG will also make sure that successful on-board healthcare delivery is followed, according to basic environmental controls, sanitation procedures, and marine safety and protection regulations.

PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia stated that they are thankful for the collaboration and support they have with 2GO. Partnerships with them have gone well, and this is the reason why there are two ships to be deployed for patients who need adequate care and treatment. Through this, the Philippines hopes to set an example to other countries in effectively combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

There will be a limit to the capacity of the ships to ensure that social distancing measures are strictly followed and that the spread of the virus will be minimized. The vessels will also undergo inspection through the DOH to guarantee that they meet specific health and safety requirements.

Moreover, DOTr OIC Undersecretary for Administrative Service and IATF official representative Artemio Tuazon Jr. said that the attempts of the DOTr to reach out to different shipping companies culminated in more of them confirming their intent to support and participate in the project.

PCG Commandant García and Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. have sustained initiatives to gain support from shipping companies for this significant project as well.

Usec. Tuazon explained that the DOTr had been continuously extending help to different shipping companies to obtain support for the project. Most of them have already expressed their willingness and intention to cooperate through the utilization of their ships as floating quarantine facilities.

Furthermore, to guarantee efficient logistics and administrative operations, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will conduct support services.

Photos from DOTr and 2GO official websites