34 health workers die of COVID-19; over 1,700 more infected –DOH

Thirty-four healthcare workers have died on the frontlines in the battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also reported nine health workers infected with COVID-19 were in severe condition.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,772 health workers have contracted the coronavirus.

“Nitong mga nakaraang araw ay paunti na nang paunti ang nakikita nating mga healthcare workers na nagpopositibo,” Vergeire said.

Among the confirmed cases, 319 had recovered from the respiratory illness, 452 were asymptomatic, and 958 exhibited mild symptoms.

The DOH also explained that some personal protective equipment, such as goggles and face shields, could be reused if they were washed and disinfected.

However, other protective gear such as surgical masks, gloves, and respirators must be replaced after use.

The DOH earlier reported that one out of five or nearly 20 percent of the COVID-19 cases in the country were health workers. — DVM, GMA News