Golf courses as COVID-19 stations?

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health-led Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19 may tap golf courses in the metropolis as possible coronavirus stations if the spread of the disease worsens despite the National Capital Region being placed on community quarantine.

The DOH has recorded 140 COVID-19 cases in the country as of 6 p.m. yesterday even as it seeks public cooperation to help mitigate the spread of the disease.

Some golf courses in the metropolis have actually ceased operations following the lockdown, including four military layouts that could easily be utilized as stations – the Villamor Golf Club in Pasay, Navy and Kagitingan in Fort Bonifacio, and Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Giant tents can be put up within these courses to house patients.

Others that closed shop, temporarily, and which could be tapped as venues for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are Club Intramuros in Manila and Veterans Golf Club in Quezon City.

Three of the private and exclusive clubs in the city – Manila Golf Club in Forbes Park, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong and Alabang Golf Club in Muntinlupa – may need board resolutions if and when they would be asked to serve as COVID-19 stations.

“That’s the board decision,” said Wack Wack golf director Erwin Vinluan, adding that the club remains open but to members, their spouses and their dependents.

“I think they were referring to the military courses in Manila. Outdoor and sunlight can kill viral diseases. But if ever, it would be a board decision,” said Manila Southwoods golf director Jerome Delariarte.

In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, President Duterte put in place stringent social distancing measures in Metro Manila, the community quarantine aimed at limiting the movement of people going in and out of the Big City.