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Orthopedic Center confirms 117 staffers positive for COVID-19


The Philippine Orthopedic Center confirmed on Saturday that 117 of its 180 staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019.

Likewise, the POC announced the temporary closure of its Out Patient Department, and the postponement of elective and non-emergency surgeries in the state hospital.

POC's statement  came a day after Senior nurse Sean Herbert Velchez, the hospital’s union president, announced that 110 of the 180 swabbed health workers caught the virus.

Thus, the POC said it will open tele-consultations through its Facebook page “POC Orthopedic Surgery OPD” in the absence of face-to-face consults.

 

 


 

As of Friday, the POC said, 36 of the affected staffers were admitted in quarantine centers through the Department of Health’s One Hospital Command Center, adding that it has allotted 40  beds to accommodate its own staffers.

Also, the hospital has adjusted the working hours for the rest of its staff members, while those infected with the coronavirus are in isolation.

Further, it said that its COVID-19 vaccination program will continue from April 5 to 12, and that it will conduct mandatory COVID-19 swab tests for other staff members on April 7.

Currently, the POC is treating 216 patients, and 12 COVID-19 cases.

Emergency Room operations will continue as well as the treatment of orthopedic emergency patients, it said.

On the other hand, the POC is appealing for additional personal protective equipment (PPEs) and more supplies of face masks.

POC Officer-in-Charge Dr. John Andrew Michale Bengzon was quoted in the statement as saying, “the POC shall continue with its mandate as a specialty hospital for orthopedic care even during this difficult time.” —Hana Bordey/LBG, GMA News

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