'Vacation' for healthcare workers likely in some areas —DOH exec

Department of Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said Sunday there is a big chance for healthcare workers in areas with low critical care utilization rate of medical facilities to be granted a break amid the pandemic.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Vega said hospitals and local governments should decide based on their assessment of the COVID-19 situation in their areas.

“Lalo na sa areas na talagang low risk na o very low risk — makikita po sa critical utilization rate, mapapansin naman po sa data na ‘yan — e, malaking posibilidad na puwede pong magbigay ang ospital administrators ng ganyang bakasyon,” he said.

“Kung sa tingin ng ospital, or isang locality na talagang low risk na sila, wala na silang gaanong positive sa COVID infections, puwede ‘yun. Bigyan nila ng respite ‘yung health workers nila,” he added.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque suggested that hospitals should give health workers a break if the utilization rate for facilities dedicated to COVID-19 patients is at a manageable level.

Roque made the suggestion to National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. during a briefing.

Galvez said he would bring up the matter to Vega, as the Health undersecretary is the head of the One Hospital Command.

“We will recommend that to our One Hospital Command, kay Usec. Vega po,” Galvez said. —LBG, GMA News