1dangkal

[1dangkal]

LOTS OF WASTAGE

Maximizing Utility

The "Battle" against Covid-19 has been exasperating. I have been writing selectively on this topic, knowing that joining the fray of criticisms or adulations on numbers and policies does not make any difference- but this one is a true story that invokes- legitimate questions.

An OFW in HK got exposed to another Infected OFW. How their cases were detected and managed by their Public Health units are worthy of consideration. They are both Filipino pilots.

INFECTION

Patient 1(P1), following an HK-based airline protocol went on a 14-day straight duty for flights in an international sector (Middle East) of their airline. Upon arrival he was tested and returned to a shared apartment with Patient 2(P2). It was around 9 PM at night when they met- P2 was in the Living Room, and after some greetings P1 went to his room and slept.

In the morning that followed, P1 went out early to get his results and came back to their apartment announcing to P2 he is Covid-19 positive and is required to go on isolation.

ISOLATION

P2 was contacted by HK authorities that same morning to report to a designated Quarantine that same day. Thus, both P1 and P2 were immediately isolated.

TESTING

P2, after having been exposed to POSITIVE P1 is a SUSPECT. P2 was provided by HK authorities an individual room, food and all medical assistance in an isolation facility. While he did not exhibit any symptoms, he was not tested.

3 days before his scheduled discharge, A SALIVA TEST was done. The result came out negative after 1 day.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PHIL CONSIDERATION:

1 Immediate results for tests reduce the risk of transmission. P1 could have easily infected P2 if his test results took longer than 12 hrs. They could have shared the apartment not knowing any risks because P1 up to now is asymptomatic.

2 P1 was negative before going on that 14- day duty and so were the rest of the crew. Thus his infection could have only been acquired while staying at airports and hotels during stops.

3 P2 was not tested until PROTOCOL demanded for him to be tested. So was P1- protocol was the only reason why he was tested.

ERGO:

Quick results are the key to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). Smart and logical Protocols prevent the clogging of Laboratories.

Saliva Tests are already available. It is said to be cheaper and faster.

DOH and political machismo has been wavering on many things- all resulting to clogged Laboratories. Imagine what 10 days could have resulted to? Imagine P2 being isolated for much longer if his test results took 10 days more?

Duque's Hospital Policies have to be reviewed. I have kept mum on the fact that most of our transmissions are- sadly- HAPPENING IN HOSPITALS! No one has talked about the failed IPC policies on Covid-19 resulting from the obsolete guidelines issued before March of this year. What errors are to be expected from it?

1 Lumping all suspects in a ward for weeks both positive and negative patients learning their results 7-15 days later. When the negatives are sent home, they are most likely infected already by their exposure to the positives in the first 24 hrs that they are together in hospitals.

2 Doctors who still make rounds in several hospitals are the best carriers of the virus from hospital to hospital- infecting patients, nurses and fellow doctors.

3 1 meter? Does DOH even have a team to read the latest findings? Or are they waiting for peer review which may come out next year? A five year old girl who watches youtube knows that one should stay at least 6 ft. (2 meters) to prevent infection. She learned it not from any science channel but from Rebecca Zamolo and Charli d'Amilio. 

4 The testing is not a numbers game. The number of TESTS conducted will not determine the success of Covid-19 IPC. It is speed, accuracy and intelligent testing- how many of these you make- DOH, will determine your success. Testing anyone in batches or barangays? Will only clog your lab, delay results and increase the spread. Simple Logic.

There are too many things that DOH got wrong. Who can blame anyone who listens to them? But, come to think of it- where does DOH get all these foolish policies? Their "Evidence Based" criteria will point to no other than WHO. These are just OPINIONS. NOT NEWS. Read or believe at your own risk!