By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The provincial government of Negros Occidental is increasing its hospital bed capacity for moderate and serious COVID-19 patients to 200 beds.

Provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said the 50-bed Valladolid District Hospital located in Valladolid town will open its COVID-19 center today.

“The hospital will only be exclusive for patients with COVID-19 symptoms and those who tested positive for the virus,” Diaz said.

In an advisory, the hospital said that before bringing patients to the medical facility, they should call their hotline numbers (034) 473-0131, 09454592179, or 0961 4119717 to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Walk-in patients are not encouraged,” Diaz said.

The Valladolid facility is the second provincial government-run hospital that has been converted into a COVID-19 center. The first one was the 150-bed Cadiz District Hospital in Cadiz City.

As of November 3, the province has 4,799 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,515 of which are active cases. The province also recorded 3,202 recoveries and 82 deaths./DGB, WDJ