Police, health officials escorted COVID-19 patient to hospital, San Juan mayor clarifies

Members of the San Juan City police and city health department on Thursday escorted a woman who had tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to a hospital.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora made the statement Friday to clarify reports that the patient allegedly escaped from city authorities.

"When test results confirmed that she was positive for COVID-19 last March 11, she headed to a private hospital that she preferred," Zamora said.

"However, the hospital could not accommodate her anymore so the City Health and the PNP (Philippine National Police) escorted her to a different hospital for immediate treatment," he added.

He said the woman, one of the nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city, is already in stable condition.

"She is now in stable condition and receiving proper care and treatment," the mayor said.

The Philippines has recorded 52 infections, as of Thursday, according to the Department of Health.

President Rodrigo Duterte already placed Metro Manila under community quarantine following the continued increase of the cases.

Concerned government agencies are still working on the guidelines of the domestic travel restrictions to and from Metro Manila following the Chief Executive's order.—AOL/RSJ, GMA News