Vico Sotto praises Pasig’s medical frontliners

HEALTH PERSONNEL WANTED Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto says the city is looking for more medical workers to cope with the rising number of coronavirus cases. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto is urging people to be more considerate of medical frontliners who are trying their best to cope with the rising number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city.

“We have a good system of contact tracing. Our health officers are hardworking. Our problem is that our workers are overloaded [because] there has been a spike in [coronavirus] cases during the general community quarantine. Many are calling them even as late as 3 a.m. … They really need more people now,” he said in an online briefing.

No complaints

“They never complain. I am very proud of them,” Sotto added as he commended members of the city epidemiology disease and surveillance unit (Cedsu).

Acknowledging the instances in which there was a lag in the unit’s response time or when it was difficult to contact them, Sotto said the city government was currently hiring more Cedsu personnel and contact tracers. Priority would be given to residents although if needed, the city would also hire outsiders.

“We will increase the number of medical workers. I hope if you will talk to them on the phone, don’t be rude to them. I always tell them to also be patient with [patients],” he added.

“There should be mutual understanding. Let’s be understanding since we are in the middle of a crisis. They are just humans. Our Cedsu is very hardworking … Keep up the good work,” he said.

As of Saturday evening, there were 1,825 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pasig, of which 924 were active cases. There were 119 deaths and 783 recoveries, according to the city health office.

Skeleton staff

At the same time, Sotto announced that starting today, Aug. 3, Pasig City Hall would be staffed by a skeleton work force until Aug. 16.

Exempted are health-related offices such as hospitals, peace and order offices, community and social welfare development unit, and disaster risk reduction and management office.

“All hospitals are full in the region—both public and private. Let’s all do our part. Aside from going to work and buying essential goods, let us stay at home for the meantime,” he said. INQ