Seven physicians of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila tested positive for COVID-19 causing the temporary suspension of hospital operations “until further notice” for disinfection and mass testing of its employees.
“Ipinagbibigay-alam namin sa publiko, lalo na sa mga pasyente namin at sa mga ibang pasyente na nagnanais sanang pumunta ng Fabella Hospital na as of today, October. 23, itinitigil po muna namin ang admission both ng OB o mga pasyenteng buntis, pati na rin po ng mga bata ,” said Fabella Hospital Public Information Officer Dr. Diane Cajipe in a radio interview.
“Gusto rin ipabatid na pati ang outpatient division ng hospital and other services katulad po ng laboratoryo, ultrasound, x-ray nakahinto po din po iyan ,” she added.
A source from the Fabella Hospital said the suspension of operations will be “until further notice.” No date has been announced on when the hospital will resume operations.
The seven doctors are currently isolated and are not showing symptoms of the disease.
“Mahirap tukuyin saan talaga nila nakuha but one thing ang hawak po nating ebidensya, ito ay grupo ng mga doktor na nagduduty ngayon dito ,” said Cajipe.
“As we speak now, ongoing na po ang swabbing nitong mga na trace na nagkaroon ng close contact sa mga doctors but eventually all employees of Fabella ay mag undergo ng testing
,” she added.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that the disinfection procedure is being carried out in all healthcare facilities if a medical worker tested positive for COVID-19.
“Just like in all hospitals, if there are diagnosed infections among healthcare workers, certain units of the hospitals temporarily close for disinfection, but resume operations as soon as disinfection is done,” it said in a statement.
“There are also strict infection prevention and control protocols already in place in all our hospitals that are activated as needed. We trust that these protocols are being implemented to ensure the safety not only of the healthcare workers in the said hospital, but also all the patients,” it added.