16:37 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Jan. 18.
The Arequipa Healthcare Network of the
Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud) has added three ICU beds at Cerro Juli Temporary Isolation Center for the treatment of severe patients with COVID-19, Arequipa Healthcare Network Manager Edilberto Salazar announced on Monday.
Salazar indicated that the aim is to set up 18 ICU beds at the isolation center. The remaining beds will be implemented in the coming days.
Thus, the first stage has been successfully completed, whose beds will be operational starting today.
According to
the EsSalud Healthcare Network manager, an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients has been observed in the last days, so most of the 36 ICU beds in Arequipa's Essalud facilities are now occupied; hence the need to take preventive measures.
Regarding the rise in new COVID-19 cases, he reported that between 70 and 80 people showing the symptoms of having contracted the virus pass through the triage station daily, 20 of which are hospitalized because of serious medical conditions.
Additionally, he went on to say that those who get to the hospital are young adults aged 37-40 years and older, instead of elderly people, as was the case in the past.
Arequipa's EsSalud representative affirmed that 200 additional beds will be implemented at Metropolitan and Edmundo Escomel hospitals to face the increase of COVID-19 patients.
Finally, Salazar referred to health workers, saying that the Arequipa Healthcare Network hired 1,430 people to cope with the first wave of the pandemic, and that they keep working in the sector, adding that more people will be hired if necessary.
(END) RMC/MAO/RMB
Published: 1/18/2021