Maria Rosario Vergeire (Source: RTVM)

 

766 doctors and health care workers in the Philippines have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2018 (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made the shocking announcement during the DOH’s televised briefing.

“Meron na tayong naitalang 766 na health care workers na confirmed cases ng COVID-19,” (We have now recorded 766 health-care workers who are confirmed cases of COVID-19.) she said.

Vergiere said that the total number is composed of 339 doctors, 242 nurses and 185 health care workers which the DOH did not specifically mention their exact professions.  Since the pandemic started, the Philippines has 5,878 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The DOH also said 22 health-care workers have so far died because of the disease.

The country has a total 387 COVID-19 related deaths and 487 recoveries, the DOH reported Friday.  (Rommel F. Lopez)