The city government of Davao is now talking to the management of four private hospitals so they can prepare to accept Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) patients in case the capability of the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) is exhausted.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said over the city-operated Davao City Disaster Radio that the four hospitals, which she did not name, will act as back up facilities to SPMC.

However, she made it clear that they could not accept Covid-19 patients as long as SPMC is still able to accommodate cases.

“We have (previously) identified 3 and then karon four na, gidungagan nato og isa pa ka private hospital. Reserved private hospital lang ni sila, meaning, dili gihapon sila pwede mudawat og Covid-19 patient until na dili mapuno nato ang SPMC,” she said.

Mayor Inday said that the city government has asked the hospitals to prepare for the scenario.

“Lisod kung mag hulat ta nga mapubo ang SPMC unya dira pa nato ipaandam ang mga hospital unya mag kulang napud ilahang gamit,” she said.

Since the outbreak, 161 Covid-19 cases had already been confirmed in the city, of which, 23 have died and 81 have recovered. Currently, 56 cases remain active. CIO