Coron’s rural health unit hit by COVID-19 infections

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The operation of the rural health unit (RHU) in the town of Coron in Palawan province was suspended until Monday next week after four of its staff contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Dr. Alan Guintapan, municipal health officer, said a teleconsultation system, where a resident could just place a call for a consultation, was set in place, while the Coron RHU would stay close for decontamination and swab testing of its personnel.

Guintapan said they would try to continue to serve the residents of the town via the phone consultation scheme and would send the medicine to the patients’ location instead.

Coron, one of the municipalities on the Calamian Islands Group (the other towns are Busuanga, Culion, and Linapacan), is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. It shut its doors to tourists after the coronavirus pandemic struck the country in mid-March.

Coron has, however, experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases since mid-August when it reopened its door to returning residents. The town currently has 35 active cases.

The four health care personnel from RHU were also listed as among the local transmission cases reported this week.

Guintapan said one of the RHU personnel contracted the virus from his/her mother, who, in turn, might have transmitted the disease to the other RHU staff.

While the Coron RHU is closed, residents were advised to reach the health care workers through 0961-777-4628 or 0915-698-3496 between 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A total of 68 confirmed COVID-19 patients was recorded in Coron with 35 active cases, 31 recoveries, and two deaths, the municipal health office said.

ZB