One Hospital Command Center head catches COVID-19

FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — The operations manager of the country’s COVID-19 referral system has been tested positive for coronavirus.

“Ako po ay nag-positive din po for COVID [I tested positive for COVID],” One Hospital Command Center (OHCC) Operations Manager Dr. Bernadett Velasco told Teleradyo on Tuesday.

According to Velasco, she is currently staying at an isolation facility where asymptomatic patients are placed.

“[I’m] still working pa rin po para at least ma-busy naman tayo habang naga-isolate lang [so that at least I am kept busy while I am in isolation],” she added.

The OHCC was created by virtue of Section 7 of the Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, which states that there shall be a COVID-19 national referral system to provide patients a fast and efficient way to locate and avail of services from health facilities.

The Department of Health also issued Department Order No. 2020-0653, which states that a One Hospital Command System should facilitate coordination between health facilities and healthcare provider networks as well as streamline the referral and transfer of COVID-19 cases.

“May criteria tayo. Yung asymptomatic, sa isolation. Yung mga moderate, severe and critical cases, yung mas agaran ng lunas, sila ang dapat ilagay sa mga ospital para maiwasan yung pag-hospital hopping,” Velasco explained.

(We have a criteria. Those who are asymptomatic are referred to an isolation facility. Those who are moderate, severe and critical cases, those who need immediate treatment, they are referred to hospitals so that we can avoid hospital hopping.)

Last week, Velasco said the calls received by the OHCC have increased to an average of 600 per day in August.

Velasco said the center only received an average of 100 to 120 calls per day in June and around 300 per day in July.

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JPV