80 kids get swab tested after DSWD center staffers catch COVID-19

Eighty children at the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD's) Reception and Study Center for Children in Quezon City were swab tested for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after staffers at the center contracted the respiratory illness.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, three staff of the DSWD center tested positive for COVID-19.

The children who were swab tested ranged in age from a few months to 15 years old.

The kids at the center were victims of violence, harassment, abuse, or were abandoned by their parents.

“Mahirap din po silang magkasakit lalo’t hindi natin alam kung paano i-manage ang COVID. Since may mga trauma experiences po sila, sana hindi na po nila maranasan kung paano magkaroon ng sakit na ito,” medical officer Dr. Johanna Castro said.

“Wala silang capability protektahan ‘yung sarili nila on their own, so kailangan, may sintomas pa lang talaga sila ay na-a-isolate natin sila at nate-test na rin natin sila,” QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit chief Rolly Cruz added.

Castro also called for gadget and school supply donations for the upcoming school year.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation pledged to donate face shields and food for the children. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News