1st COVID-19 patient in Negros Occidental discharged from the hospital
Published Apr 9, 2020 12:00 am
By Glazyl Masculino
BACOLOD CITY - Big smiles and cheers from the health workers greeted the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient in Negros Occidental, when she was discharged from the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City on Wednesday.
Medical staff and doctors of Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City in Negros Occidental break out in cheers as their first COVID-19 patient was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Richard Malihan/Capitol PIO)
The 41-year-old female patient from E.B. Magalona town, with travel history to Manila and Davao, was the first and only COVID-19 patient reported in the province.
After barely a month of being confined in a hospital, the patient was able to return home after she tested negative for COVID-19 based on her first repeated swab test taken on April 2.
Despite the negative test results, a positive patient shall undergo two repeated tests for her final clearance, based on the protocol of the Department of Health (DOH).
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that they are waiting for the results of the patient’s final swab test taken on April 7.
“We’re hoping it will still show negative results,” he added.
Dr. Maria Estrella Ledesma, chief of the provincial hospital, gave her a copy of the results of her first repeated swab test, and told her, “Congratulations for overcoming the COVID-19.”
The nurses, medical staff, doctors, and other health workers danced as they welcomed the patient outside the health institution.
The patient, who was emotional, said to the medical frontliners that, “I know you also suffer outside when you leave the hospital, I know how the way people look at you and treat you, but you go on with your calling.”
“From the bottom of my heart and my family, and all those who suffer COVID-19, and those who come here in need of your help, know that you’re all appreciated. Our hearts are full of gratitude for all the sacrifices you make just to take care of us. I thank you for not giving up on me, for standing on your principles, and for doing what is right. I can’t thank you enough,” she said.
“I am also praying for our leaders that they may be guided by the Lord in their decision,” she added.
She was brought home via the Provincial Health Office (PHO) ambulance, assisted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). She was also given instructions on her medication at home.
Medical staff and doctors of Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City in Negros Occidental break out in cheers as their first COVID-19 patient was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Richard Malihan/Capitol PIO)
The 41-year-old female patient from E.B. Magalona town, with travel history to Manila and Davao, was the first and only COVID-19 patient reported in the province.
After barely a month of being confined in a hospital, the patient was able to return home after she tested negative for COVID-19 based on her first repeated swab test taken on April 2.
Despite the negative test results, a positive patient shall undergo two repeated tests for her final clearance, based on the protocol of the Department of Health (DOH).
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that they are waiting for the results of the patient’s final swab test taken on April 7.
“We’re hoping it will still show negative results,” he added.
Dr. Maria Estrella Ledesma, chief of the provincial hospital, gave her a copy of the results of her first repeated swab test, and told her, “Congratulations for overcoming the COVID-19.”
The nurses, medical staff, doctors, and other health workers danced as they welcomed the patient outside the health institution.
The patient, who was emotional, said to the medical frontliners that, “I know you also suffer outside when you leave the hospital, I know how the way people look at you and treat you, but you go on with your calling.”
“From the bottom of my heart and my family, and all those who suffer COVID-19, and those who come here in need of your help, know that you’re all appreciated. Our hearts are full of gratitude for all the sacrifices you make just to take care of us. I thank you for not giving up on me, for standing on your principles, and for doing what is right. I can’t thank you enough,” she said.
“I am also praying for our leaders that they may be guided by the Lord in their decision,” she added.
She was brought home via the Provincial Health Office (PHO) ambulance, assisted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). She was also given instructions on her medication at home.