Homegrown retail chain the New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) expressed support to the city government of Davao’s efforts in managing Covid-19 situation by opening its ‘The Dome’ to be used as reserved quarantine facility.
NCCC has recently turned over ‘The Dome’ to the city that has a total net area of 1,250 square meters and can accommodate up to 78 persons. It is also equipped with nurses’ stations, doctors’ work area and an administration office.
The 78-bed capacity of ‘The Dome’ will be an addition to the city’s target of 1,000 beds to prepare for a possible influx of returning residents in Davao City.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) will provide doctors, nurses, and the overall system in handling the operation while the local government will provide all non-medical personnel, food and supplies, utilities, security, and police force. In addition, a designated director will handle all concerns and queries regarding the facility.
Sharlene Faye A. Lim, president of NCCC Malls, said ‘The Dome’ will be used as an additional holding area for COVID-19 patients in the event the city needs it.
Starting July 22, 2020, the city government of Davao has required all arriving passengers in Davao City to undergo RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing before exit from the Davao Airport to ensure that travelers who enter the city are negative from Covid-19.
Without the negative RT-PCR test results from place of origin, passengers will undergo tests and wait in a holding facility for 24 hours or more until their results come out. If positive, they will be referred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and if negative, will be allowed to go home and quarantine for 14 days.
Originally, the 40 meter-diameter dome at the parking area of NCCC Mall VP was constructed to be used as function hall for events and conferences and has a seating capacity of 500 to 1,000.
Lim reiterated that all safety protocols are strictly followed and implemented to ensure the well-being of the customers. The mall and its perimeter are sanitized before and after operating hours. Also, the facility area including designated parking spaces is also fenced.
NCCC formally took over Victoria Plaza in March last year. The 9.6-hectare property is being eyed to be developed as a mixed-use with eight high-rise condominiums, serviced apartments, retail strips, lush green space, and a five-star hotel.
