Official Statement from the Philippine International Convention Center on the Conversion of The PICC Forum as a Step-down Facility for COVID-19 cases

Today, the PICC We Heal As One Center shall commence operations as a step-down facility for COVID-19 patients.  The PICC Forum, which was converted into the temporary healthcare facility, was formally turned over to the Philippine National Police Medical Corps who will be managing it with the support of the Department of Health (DOH).

The step-down facility will accommodate patients who have been discharged from the hospital after testing negative from COVID-19 as they still need medical care and attention.

The PICC, DOH, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF),  Department of Public of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), other relevant government agencies and the private sector (EEI Corp., Villar Group, Smart, Meralco, Maynilad and DMCI) teamed up to provide the necessary physical, logistical and medical requirements to convert The PICC Forum into a 294-bed facility. All patients will be provided with free food, internet connection, and 24/7 medical assistance.

The PICC Forum is a 4,292 sqm air-conditioned, wi-fi enabled tent structure that has built-in amenities such as a pantry, a lounge, toilets, and shower areas with heaters to address the requirements of our clients’ events. These same amenities will provide comfort and convenience to the facility’s patients and healthcare workers.

To augment the healthcare facility, six smart houses were put up along Forum Street to serve as admin and medical records offices and as quarters for nurses and medical personnel. Hospital beds, IV stands, wheelchairs and defibrillators, as well as a mobile pharmacy and portable x-ray machine, have also been installed. The entire area, including the tent structure and Forum Street, will be boarded up from PICC’s Gate 1 to Gate 2.

The event halls, meeting rooms, and offices of the PICC and other government agencies are housed in four other buildings at the PICC Complex that are located far from the tent. Each building has its own entry and exit points. This ensures that the presence of the health facility shall not affect the conduct of business of the PICC and its tenants.

While the risk of contamination is unlikely, the necessary sanitation and disinfection procedures will be undertaken at the PICC Complex during the entire period that the patients are confined and until after they are discharged.

We are closely coordinating with our clients whose events will be affected by this development by providing them with alternative dates and meeting rooms. It is important to note, however, that the Center shall remain closed until May 31, 2020, or until further notice.

The PICC has been used as a venue for some of our country’s most historic events in the last 43 years. Now, more than ever, we remain committed to be of service during this time of great need as a venue for our countrymen’s healing and recovery.