CEBU, Philippines — The Newborn Screening Center of the Department of Health-7 located in Eversley Childs Sanitarium & General Hospital in Mandaue City has temporarily suspended its operation as its employees need to undergo quarantine starting March 20 until further notice.
Dr. Liwayway Reyes, unit head of NBS-Central Visayas, said the temporary suspension is “due to health matters of the employees brought about by the COVID-19 virus.
“The health situation of the employees in center is compromised and (they) are all required to submit themselves for self-quarantine, hence the temporary suspension/stoppage of operation of the center,” the memorandum issued by Reyes read.
However, the memo said that despite the temporary suspension, newborn screening blood sample collection will still continue.
The blood samples will instead be sent to Newborn Screening Center at the West Visayas State University Medical Center in Iloilo City.
Meanwhile, as COVID-19 cases continue to persist in the country, World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe has emphasized the need of whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in combatting the pandemic and to avoid overwhelming the country’s health systems capacity.
“There is a limit. We need to do everything possible to ensure our occupancy rate will not exceed to critical levels and also the healthcare workers are not overly exhausted and the load will become too difficult for them to manage,” Abeyasinghe said in his message via Facebook page of DOH.
He added that everyone has to be cautious with all of these facts, calling on public cooperation.
The DOH continues to campaign for the #BIDASolusyon Plus against COVID-19, which is aimed at mitigating transmission of coronavirus.
DOH reminded the public to limit the number in the family bubble, stay at home, protect vulnerable family members, wear a mask even at home if necessary, ensure proper air ventilation and circulation and keep windows open.
DOH also reminded the public to consult with their BHERT if one is a possible close contact or experiencing symptoms and to have oneself tested immediately.
The department further advised those who experience mild symptoms to stay in isolation facilities.
Self-isolation is recommended in order to avoid overwhelming hospitals. — JMD (FREEMAN)