Pangasinan hospital closed as doctor gets COVID

TAYUG, Pangasinan, Philippines — The Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH) in this town was closed on Sunday night after a doctor tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The 33-year-old doctor is a resident of Binalonan, provincial health officer Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman told The STAR yesterday.

The doctor, who had fever and cough, is on self-quarantine at her house. Her test result came out after she was discharged from the hospital.

De Guzman said the Department of Health recommended the closure of the hospital because the doctor was exposed to other doctors and nurses.

She said these doctors and nurses were tested for COVID-19, and are on isolation either in their homes or at the Sta. Barbara halfway house for persons under investigation for the flu virus.

The swab samples were brought to the Baguio General Hospital. The results are expected to be released at the latest by tomorrow.

De Guzman said the hospital is being disinfected. She said they are also tracing other people who had been exposed with the doctor.

She urged those with minor ailment to go to hospitals in Asingan and Umingan towns.

Those with complicated or serious medical condition were advised to go to the Urdaneta District Hospital, Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City or Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City.