Since the victim had already tested negative for the virus, and twice at that, he cannot be considered a COVID-19 fatality, per DOH protocols. Dr. Grace Tan, Bacolod IATF spokesperson said yesterday.
“We mourn the demise of our Patient Number 3. This the second tragedy in their family in a very short span of time after his mother, who was Patient Number 6, also passed away recently.” Mayor Evelio Leonardia announced.
“I have already personally called the sister of the victim to convey the deepest condolences of the Bacolodnons during their hour of grief,” the mayor added.
The 40-year-old male, from Barangay Taculing, had a travel history to Manila, arriving in Bacolod on March 8, 2020.
He developed cough and fever on March 15 and was subsequently admitted in isolation in a private hospital on March 19.
His first swab test for COVID-19 on March 19 later confirmed he was positive of the virus.
While in hospital, he suffered a stroke because of depleted oxygen supply to the brain due to breathing difficulty related to COVID. For this, he was intubated 6 days after admission.
Repeat RT-PCR swabs were done on April 7 and 10 which now revealed that patient was already negative for COVID-19.
On April 10, he was transfered to a non-isolation room, though still on respirator and moves only in response to pain stimulus. Physical therapy and nutritional rehab were also initiated in preparation for possible discharge.
However, sadly, on his 45th day in hospital, he suffered a fatal heart attack. (BCPIO)