(Yicai Global) Jan. 3 -- Healthcare centers in Shanghai are adding beds and equipment to better serve people with mild Covid-19 symptoms.

Community hospitals are establishing a mechanism to make sure critically ill patients will be treated at higher-level medical institutions, Yicai Global learned.

"The outpatient space in our center is expanding with more oxygen and infusion facilities," Lu Wei, deputy director of the Huayang Street Community Healthcare Center in Changning district, told Yicai Global. The department will have around 30 spots to meet patients’ needs for oxygen and infusion therapy, he added.

In the same district, another center is stocking up. "Our inpatient department is purchasing a batch of electrocardiogram monitors, pulse oximeters, ventilators, suction machines, and so on, which can be used in the near future," said Cong Yuanzheng, head of the Xianxia Community Healthcare Center.

The two healthcare professionals said that the "golden 72 hours" of treatment are crucial for those with mild symptoms. "After being infected with the new coronavirus, patients only have a fever at first, and then their respiratory tracts and lungs are affected," Lu said. "What our community hospitals need to do is to provide treatment in the early stage to prevent the disease from getting worse."

Lu said that the inpatient department of the Huayang Street center has 40 beds, and 29 of them are currently occupied by senior citizens. The remainder are equipped with medical rescue and monitoring equipment, as well as oxygen generators and suction pumps, the deputy director added.

With the necessary facilities, "most people’s symptoms are relieved," Cong said. "With hardware support, including oxygen therapy and small molecule drugs, citizens will feel more at ease when they come to community hospitals," Lu added.

Cong said that as new equipment arrives, the staff is trained to use it. Moreover, the center has enough Covid-19 drugs and fever medications, he added.

Community centers are stepping up their protocols to make sure patients get the help they need if the symptoms get worse. When blood oxygen saturation levels decrease, medical professionals know to take relevant actions immediately, Lu said.

Huayang Street has two ambulances to cater to special groups such as the elderly and pregnant women, Lu said. "For higher-level hospitals, we have also set up a 24-hour medical treatment duty system to ensure a smooth transfer."

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi