Doctor becomes PUI after being exposed to COVID-19

After serving as a frontliner in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a doctor has now become a person under investigation (PUI).

"The battle is far from over. Dr Gino Natividad signing out, but I shall return! I will join you guys again in the frontline soon! Prayers for everyone!" wrote Gino Natividad, an internal medicine resident serving at the frontlines, on his Facebook post.

On March 18, he started experiencing dry cough, sore throat, dry throat, headache, chills, and body weakness. So on March 19, he decided to get tested.

While awaiting the results of his test, he's under quarantine.

Natividad told GMA News Public Affairs he became more exposed to the virus due to the dwindling amount of medical supplies and protective equipment. While the hospital has been diligent in reminding their medical workers to wear their PPEs and the hospital workers have been diligent in doing so, the number of protective equipment they have right now is dwindling.

According to Natividad, he is a high-risk patient since he has been dealing with hypertension for more than 10 years.

Natividad said he posted his photo to raise awareness and to ask for help for his fellow medical workers in need of PPEs and other medical supplies that they need protect them as they fight against COVID-19.

The good doctor has been using social media to inform people on how the public can help medical frontliners like him.

Previously, he asked patients to be honest about their medical and travel histories, as well as the symptoms they feel. Those won't only make it easier for medical workers to help them with their health issues, but protect medical workers as well.

Currently, the Department of Health is verifying reports about hundreds of medical workers put on quarantine. More than 500 health workers in UST have been quarantined, as 144 health workers in The Medical City.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Sunday confirmed 73 new cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, bringing the total to 380.

The fatality record climbed to 25, while17 patients have recovered. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News