ILOILO City – There is a “global shortage” in surgical facemasks and personal protective equipment due to the high demand spurred by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and Western Visayas has not been spared.
Because of this shortage, the health of hospital workers such as those in this city is at risk, according to Dr. Jane Juanico of the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales, according to the World Health Organization.
These droplets may also land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Various hospitals have requested for PPEs from the DOH regional office, revealed Juanico, “but as of now, wala na gid kita sang may mapapanaog pa.”
Juanico is DOH Region 6’s focal person on COVID-19.
“Nagabantay man kita sang mga logistic supplies naton,” she said.
She appealed for facemask and PPE donations “para matagtagan namon ang mga hospitals.”
“Subong naga-innovate kita sang mga materials, naga-improvise kita sang mga pwede naton magamit nga protective gear,” said Juanico.
Western Visayas has 99 hospitals with a total bed capacity of 7,868.
The region’s total population is 7,904,899./PN
