St. Luke's says ER queues for COVID-19 cases taking 'longer than usual'

St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) on Thursday announced that waiting time to seek medical consultation for COVID-related symptoms in its emergency rooms is longer than usual due to the influx of patients.

In an advisory, SLMC said it is experiencing a surge of patients both in its Quezon City and Global City branches.

Both hospitals, however, remain open to accommodate admissions and outpatient procedures and services for non-COVID-19 cases.

“Rest assured that we are doing our best to ensure that all patients receive utmost care,” SLMC said.

SLMC is asking the public to observe minimum public health standards against the contagious disease, especially with the threat of the Omicron variant.

“Given the current situation, we appeal to the public to avoid complacency and strictly adhere to health protocols and preventive measures against COVID-19,” it said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday said healthcare utilization rate in Metro Manila is nearing moderate risk.

Several hospitals are also currently challenged as their healthcare workers are among those being infected with COVID-19 amid the recent spike in the number of cases.

The Philippines on Wednesday logged 10,775 more COVID-19 infections, increasing the total tally to 2,871,745. The active infections stood at 39,974.

A total of 605 more recoveries were recorded, bringing the total recovery tally to 2,780,109. Meanwhile, the death toll climbed to 51,662, with 58 more deaths. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA News