PLM employee died of COVID-19, says university admin

A 57-year-old female employee of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) has died due to COVID-19, the university announced on Thursday.

"The University confirms the passing of a 57-year-old female who died due to COVID-related issues this morning. She last reported in campus on July 9 and experienced flu-like symptoms on July 11. Her symptoms worsened the following week, which led to her taking a swab test and her confinement at a Manila hospital where she eventually passed away," the PLM said in a statement.

The university also reported that two other employees tested positive for COVID-19 on separate occasions. One already recovered while the other is now recovering at a hospital.

PLM said the cases were confirmed at different dates and different locations, and that no COVID-19 transmission within campus grounds has been reported so far.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the bereaved. Meanwhile, we would like to assure the PLM community that daily disinfection protocols and triage processes are in place to protect our workforce from COVID-19,” PLM President Emmanuel Leyco said.

The university said its COVID-19 Task Force has conducted "immediate and meticulous" contact tracing for those who came in contact with the patients. It also ensured its campus premises are disinfected, as well as the most frequently touched surfaces including doorknobs and stairway rails.

"With the employee’s passing, University officials have specifically decontaminated her work area ahead of the date of the regular sanitation and procedures," PLM said, as it assured health protocols are implemented for a limited number of its employees reporting on site since June. —LBG, GMA News