Healthcare workers in La Union cross river, go on long walk to do swab tests

A group of healthcare workers in Aringay, La Union is attracting attention on social media for showing what dedication and commitment are during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the Aringay COVID-19 Diagnostic Team were seen in photos posted on Facebook crossing a river using rafts, walking up hills and fields, and crossing makeshift bridges, all while wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).

The team has to go through the obstacle-like course every time it has to conduct RT-PCR swab tests in remote barangays.

Sherbeth, one of the nurses on the team, said they do this rain or shine.

Some areas could not be reached by vehicle so they have to walk, she said.

“Everyone of us has our own story in this pandemic. I am encouraging everyone to do their part to fight COVID-19. To all the patients and families that we have served, just hang in there, be strong and keep the faith," Sherbeth said.

Dr. Rolando Mallari, focal person of the Aringay COVID-19 Task Force, admitted that they face stress due to the demands of their job.

However, they draw strength from each other to continue on with their service.

“Kailangan humugot ka ng inspirasyon sa mga ganitong sitwasyon… Hindi man kami perfect, but we make it work," Mallari said. 

(One has to find inspiration in situations like this... We may not be perfect, but we make it work.)

A group of healthcare workers in Valenzuela City was also spotted in July riding on a makeshift raft to do house-to-house vaccination among bedridden residents.

To reach bedridden residents, healthcare workers ride on a makeshift raft in Valenzuela City on July 6, 2021 to administer COVID-19 vaccines.  REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

—KG, GMA News