Bangsamoro opens new COVID-19 isolation center

ANKARA 

The Bangsamoro Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines opened a new COVID-19 isolation center on Thursday.

According to the government led by Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, the 100-bed facility in the Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao area was built in 40 days, costing 21 million Philippine pesos ($414,000).

#BARMM CM Ahod Ebrahim led the ribbon-cutting ceremony earier today. He said “the BIATF made sure that basic services were delivered, preventive measures were in place, and most importantly, sustainable efforts were made to assure that we can isolate Covid-19.” #WeWillBeatCovid pic.twitter.com/Pj6StS796S

— BARMM Government (@BangsamoroGovt) May 28, 2020

Speaking on the occasion, Murad said: "This is just one of the various isolation buildings either constructed to prepare for the worst."

"Although we are doing everything we can to avoid such a scenario, it's indeed better to be prepared than to be caught off-guard," he added.

The new isolation center will be run by the Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital.

Bangsamoro has a total of 23 confirmed coronavirus cases after 11 were reported last Tuesday among students who returned home from the Cebu province of Philippines. Four people have died due to the infection.