Logo of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (Image file by MMMH&MC Facebook Page)
LAOAG CITY -- The province of Ilocos Norte has remained free from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as another patient under investigation (PUI) at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) in Batac City was discharged on Tuesday afternoon.
In a public advisory posted on its official Facebook page, the MMMH&MC announced the result, which took about 48 hours to determine the findings from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine based in Metro Manila.
The first PUI case in Ilocos Norte, who also tested negative, was discharged by the same hospital on March 8.
As of Wednesday, the hospital still has two admitted PUIs and two persons under monitoring (PUMs).
As part of preventive measures, the hospital management announced the implementation of controlled access points and screening procedures for all employees, patients, and watchers entering the hospital premises.
“We are requesting the public to please submit yourself to our security personnel at the entrance area of the hospital for screening purposes,” the hospital said in a statement.
Hospital entrants with temperatures of 38°C and above will be immediately referred to the “Red Zone” for further assessment and evaluation by medical personnel.
Patients with fever, cough, colds, and other respiratory symptoms are also required to wear a face mask.
The one-watcher-one-patient and one-visitor policies are strictly enforced.
Since Tuesday, all elevator cars of the hospital have been implementing social distancing, which means only a maximum of five passengers can take the lift at the same time.
Dr. Ma. Lourdes Otayza, medical chief of the MMMH&MC, said, “Social distancing, staying at home, and frequent hand washing are the next big things to prevent Covid-19 landing on you.”
On Tuesday, Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine until April 12. (PNA)
