OFFICIALS of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City confirmed on Thursday, April 30, 2020, that two of their health workers tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Dr. Gerardo Aquino Jr., VSMMC medical chief, said the two health workers are already confined in the hospital.
He said they have advised 27 other health workers to undergo a 14-day quarantine as part of the hospital’s infection protocol. The workers have been directly handling Covid-19 patients, he said.
Aquino said hospital management had anticipated the possibility of placing some personnel under quarantine or the worst-case scenario of them getting infected with the virus.
He said all hospital departments have been cooperative and have been directed to come up with workers’ schedules so as not to deplete manpower.
Aquino said their frontliners wear the proper personal protective equipment and get checked regularly.
Outside help
“With the generosity of some persons, organizations and agencies, the management ensures that the needs of our frontliners are being provided,” he said.
The VSMMC, in a statement, said the health and safety of its health workers are the paramount consideration of management.
Meanwhile, Aquino assured that even with 27 of the VSMMC’s personnel going on quarantine, the hospital will have enough manpower to address the pandemic.
Aside from handling severe and critical Covid-19 cases, Aquino said the hospital continues to serve patients with other ailments.
“It is okay to be afraid but please do not panic and spread fake news and wrong speculations. Let the medical experts handle the situation. Please do not discriminate against any health care worker,” he said.
Twenty-eight Covid-19 patients are currently under the hospital’s care. (JCT)