HOSPITAL HOSTAGE-TAKER POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

The security officer who held hostage a lady physician at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City on Wednesday morning has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The security officer who held hostage a lady physician at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City last Wednesday morning tested positive for the new coronavirus disease-2019.

This was confirmed by Quezon City Police District director Police Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo yesterday morning.

Five police personnel who helped in the arrest of the hostage-taker have been quarantined to monitor their health status.

According to Montejo, Hilarion Achondo, 51, who held hostage Dr. Russel Carandang, was subjected last week to COVID-19 test a er experiencing breathing difficulty. His test result yielded positive result.

Dr. Willie Saludares, head of the EAMC emergency room trauma department, said they are thinking if there is a need for Carandang and the medical workers who attended to Achondo to be placed under quarantine.

He argued that the hospital staff were wearing personal protective equipment during the incident.

“’Yung pinagdalhan sa pasyente, ‘yun po ang aming COVID-19 emergency room. So lahat po ng suspect doon po dinadala, so lahat ng tauhan namin doon, naka-complete PPE. Kaya ‘yung chance na mahawa sila, very small,” he said.

He also said that the facility is conducting disinfection three times a day.