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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider DOH: 1,062 healthcare workers COVID-19 positive

DOH: 1,062 healthcare workers COVID-19 positive

Published Apr 22, 2020 12:00 am
By Analou De Vera More than 1,000 healthcare workers in the Philippines have contracted COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Wednesday. In a press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said a total of 1,062 healthcare workers tested positive for coronavirus disease, 422 of whom are doctors and 386 nurses. Vergeire also reported that also included in the figure are: 30 medical technologists, 21 radiologic technologists, 51 nursing assistants, and 152 other medical personnel such as administrative staff and barangay health workers. The Health official added that 26 healthcare workers have died, including 19 doctors. With this development, health workers now account for 16 percent of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. The DOH reported that the latest tally of confirmed cases is now at 6,710. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the number of infected healthcare workers in the country is “worrisome,” adding that it might be due to shortage of personal protective equipment and necessary training on how to use it. “We are working very closely with the ministry of health to determine reasons why the Philippines has a high percentage,” said Dr. Abdi Mahamud, the COVID-19 incident manager for the WHO Western Pacific region during a press briefing on Tuesday. Vergeire said they are ready to conduct an investigation to determine the causes of the high number of infected health workers. “Ang Kagawaran ay kaisa ng World Health Organization sa pagiimbestiga kung may hindi sumusunod sa alituntunin tungkol sa infection control sa ating mga health facilities,” she said. Vergeire noted that the correct usage of PPEs is one of their strategies to protect healthcare workers from being infected. She likewise gave the assurance that they will continue to provide PPEs for healthcare workers.
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