COVID-19 cases rising in NCR hospitals, among medical staff

Several Metro Manila hospitals are seeing fresh spike in COVID-19 cases,  infecting personnel as well, according to a "24 Oras" report by Cedric Castillo.

As many as 50 staff of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Medical Center in Manila have been tested positive for the virus, prompting the management to temporarily stop accepting services in its emergency room and laboratory as general disinfection of the area is done.

“Mostly are mga nag-family gatherings, …wala naman kaming Christmas party sa ospital. Kaya kami nag-mass testing, baka kami pa ang manghawa sa pasyente,” Dr. Ted Martin, hospital director, said. 

He added the other departments in the hospital are open.

At the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in Caloocan City, there were 25 COVID-19 patients.  When the new year came, the cases rose to 163.

“Mas marami ho ang moderate case, ang critical ho, 5 lang.  Nasa 65-70 percent fully vaccinated,” Dr. Alfonso Famaran Jr., Medical Center Chief II, said.

He added 26 of the hospital personnel were also found positive for COVID-19.

“Sarado na po yung ospital namin sa OPD services saka emergency room services para i-convert na namin sa COVID ward,” Famaran added.

Ospital ng Malabon has been on lockdown since January 2 until January 4 after 19 of its employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to Bong Padua, Malabon City public information officer.

COVID-19 cases in the hospital also more than doubled, from 100 before Christmas to 240 active cases at present.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute has 33 COVID-19 positive patients; 16 of its health workers are under quarantine.

Dr. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete, NKTI Executive Director, said the hospital emergency room remains open.  She added the hospital is prepared to set up tents if cases surge.

“Dapat alagaan ang pamilya kasi doon ho nagsisimula yan. May lumabas lang na isa sa pamilya, doon nag-party, dadalhin nya sa bahay ang virus,” she said.

The Medical City in Pasig reported 30 COVID-19 cases, while the Lunge Center of the Philippines has 22 cases.  Eleven of its personnel also tested positive.

Philippine General Hospital in Manila has 162 COVID-19 cases, several of its staff were also found positive.

The Department of Health said the Philippines is now again classified as "high risk" for COVID-19 following the sharp increase in cases in the past few days. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the increase in positivity rate was seen in all regions of the country.—LDF, GMA News