ILOILO City – The Pedro L. Gindap Municipal Hospital (PLGMG) in Barbaza, Antique went on lockdown after one of its doctors tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The now Western Visayas Patient No. 313 was a 53-year-old female and currently admitted at the hospital, Gov. Rhodora Cadiao announced.
The doctor, according to Cadiao, exhibited symptoms of the viral disease and was immediately subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing on June 22. Her results came out Tuesday morning, June 30.
“Nagkasore throat sia that’s why gin swab test bilang isa ka frontliner,” said Cadiao, who immediately called for emergency meeting with Dr. Rita Gindap, chief of hospital 1 of PLGMH.
“Pagbaton sang resulta nag contact tracing lagi kami, ang imaw ya sa ospital gin isolate na. The whole hospital is on lockdown starting Tuesday, wala sang makagwa kag makasulod,” added Cadiao.
The governor also disclosed that at least 60 persons had possible expose with the infected doctor.
Of the 60, four were medical doctors, nurses, other hospital personnel and eight patients.
Cadiao tapped the Philippine National Police (PNP) to expedite contact tracing.
“Halos tanan nga staff kag walo ka pasyente ang na trace and ongoing ang swabbing,” Cadiao said.
Meanwhile, patients who were discharged at the hospital prior to the release of the doctor’s RT-PCR test result were advised to observe strict home quarantine.
Cadiao as of this writing could not yet determine when the lockdown would be lifted.
Authorities will finish contact tracing and disinfect the entire hospital building, she said.
With this development, Gindap issued an advisory that PLGMG will temporarily not accept patients.
“In the interest of public safety, we regret to announce that Pedro L. Gindap Municipal Hospital in Barbaza, Antique will temporarily stop admissions and outpatient department consultation starting June 30,” stated on the advisory.
“We shall resume health care services until we are fit and capable to serve according to the requirements and standards set by the Department of Health. We seek your understanding and prayers for the good of the health workers and the community we serve,” it added.
Cadiao warned Antiqueños to avoid discriminatory acts against COVID-19 patients and healthcare workers in the province.
“Pasenya and understanding ang ginapangayo naton,” governor appealed./PN
