Now that we have two new positive cases of Covid infection, we are faced with the question: quo vadis? Where do we go from here?
The classic knee-jerk reaction for this situation is to contact trace. While we trace the contacts, still the identity of the one who originally spread the disease remains a huge mystery.
Right now, the local government unit (LGU) of Panglao is teaming up with the city government of Tagbilaran in the contact tracing activity in Panglao’s barangay Bil-isan.
Apparently, as mentioned in the statement of LGU Panglao, one of the two medical workers from Allied Care Experts Medical Center (ACE-MC) “happened to interact heavily with some residents” of the said barangay recently.
From a similar statement, it was claimed that one of the two medical workers interacted with Bil-isan residents “days before the result of the latest test conducted came out.”
In another statement, ACE-MC said, “All hospital personnel were isolated within hospital premises. Health safety protocols were observed during their isolation; even before swab results were released. Both of these personnel are currently healthy and asymptomatic.”
The same statement said, “They (referring to the 2 Covid-positive workers) are on their 9th day of quarantine within the hospital. In compliance with DOH Memorandum 2020-0258, they will continue isolation and observation to complete 14 days.”
This leads us to the question: When did one of the medical workers “interact heavily” with barangay residents?
If the medical workers were in isolation for at least nine days, as claimed by ACE-MC, then the interaction of one of them with the barangay folks in Bil-isan, must have happened more than nine days ago?
As of the moment, the public knows that there are local Covid transmissions in Bohol. It is a fact admitted by the chief of hospital of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH), Dr. Mutya Macuno in a statement she released yesterday, June 13, 2020.
With the two cases last week, and two additional cases this week, observers are searching for answers to the question: where did the infection come from?
As this develops, the public has learned about the fact that one of the two health workers from ACE-MC, celebrated his mother’s birthday, based on the information from LGU-Panglao.
And this will, inevitably, make people go back to the issue on social distancing and prohibition on mass gatherings. Don’t these ring a bell to you and to some observers? Where do we go from here? Quo Vadis?
From here, observers point out the need to trace those who attended the birthday, facing the possibility of expanding the tracing if there are people who attended the birthday party who have ended up as Covid positive.
As we move forward, the tasks ahead becomes more tedious and complicated, especially for those managing the Covid response.
As a people, heeding minimum health protocols is the most important thing to do in this situation, like what LGU-Panglao stated in its important announcement yesterday.
The announcement reiterated the things that we should be doing always: wear face mask, practice social distancing, and staying at home. And for how long?
GOING COVID CENTRIC
The GCGMH released a statement through Macuno’s Facebook posts yesterday, June 13, 2020.
Macuno started her statement by saying, “The Province of Bohol already has documented local transmission.”
As this developed, Macuno bared, “Thus as initially committed, effective 15 June 2020 (Monday) at 0001H, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) will be a Covid-19 dedicated facility.
In the same statement, Macuno said, “Thus as initially committed, effective 15 June 2020 (Monday) at 0001H, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) will be a COVID-19 Dedicated Facility (and) GCGMH will only admit probable and suspected COVID-19 Cases. These include Moderate & Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (MARI & SARI) Cases referred from Municipal Health Offices (MHOs), the Tagbilaran City Health Office and private hospitals.”
She further said in the same FB post this statement: “Our Emergency Department (Main and Obstetric ED) will only accept urgent and emergent referrals from the said entities above. We ask that all other walk-in cases seek consult at our partner private hospitals in the vicinity.”
Macuno continued by saying, “The Out-Patient Department (excluding PMDT- TB DOTS Clinic and HIVI AIDS Treatment Hub) will be closed until further notice. Please reschedule your appointments with your attending physician and/or with OPD Reception Desk,” Macuno added.
Macuno further said, “We have committed to this role as the Province’s Apex Referral Center and as the chief implementor of the Department of Health’s programs and protocols for battling COVID-19. We ask that you bear with us as we transition to this phase within the next two (2) days. We shall be issuing bulletins as developments arise.”
She concluded, “Let us remain vigilant and continue to practice infection control protocol. Always observe hand hygiene, wear masks in public and maintain physical distancing. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Macuno, who for a long time, hoped that Bohol would be Covid free, finally made the announcement that Bohol, right now, has community transmission. With two additional Covid infected Boholanos, Quo Vadis?