GenSan medical workers seek 2-week ECQ as doctors, nurses get COVID-19

Medical workers in General Santos City have called on the local government to impose a two-week enhanced community quarantine as several doctors and nurses fall ill with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the Philippine Medical Association in GenSan said two doctors, three nurses, and seven other medical staff have so far contracted COVID-19.

Also under quarantine are 12 other doctors, 112 nurses, and 117 medical staff.

“The capability of our private hospitals are vastly reduced and this is what worries us,” PMA chapter president Dr. Fidel Peñamente said.

GMA News has sought the city government of GenSan for comment.

Meanwhile in South Cotabato, the Provincial Health Office said 22 health workers have contracted COVID-19 while 147 others are under quarantine.

The rising number of COVID-19 cases among medical workers has hobbled the operations of healthcare facilities in the area.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News