Health Secretary Francisco Duque III yesterday confirmed that three doctors, who were in the frontline in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease-2019, have passed away.
“Saludo ang mga Pilipino sa mga pumanaw na health workers,” Duque said.
“Ito’y bayani na talagang binuwis nila ang kanilang buhay sa pangangalaga sa kanilang kapwa mamamayan na may sakit,” he added.
The Manila Doctors Hospital on United Nations Ave. in Manila last Sunday announced that Dr. Greg Macasaet, a renowned anaesthesiologist, succumbed to COVID-19.
He left behind a son and his wife, Dr. Evalyn Macasaet, who also reportedly tested positive for the disease.
The Philippine Heart Association also reported the passing of a young cardiologist due to COVID-19.
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila issued a statement on the death of a College of Medicine alumnus who was a “Doctor to the Barrios.”
It has not yet been confirmed if the PHA member and the PLM alumnus are the same person.
396 CONFIRMED
CASES
There are now 396 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, a Department of Health official said.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reported 16 new cases yesterday afternoon.
She also said eight people have died since Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related mortalities in the country to 33.
Vergeire also confirmed that one patient recovered from the disease. There are now 18 recovered patients in the country. (Minka Tiangco)