EL NIDO, Palawan — The son of the 63-year-old COVID-19 suspect case who died last April 15 continues to remain quarantined for nearly two weeks already, unable to return home while waiting for the test results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
The son accompanied his mother in an ambulance last April 12 to Puerto Princesa. The patient, who had difficulty breathing, went into a comatose state on the same day and passed away on April 15. She was cremated on April 16. All medical and cremation expenses were covered by the government.
Dr. Mary Ann Navarro earlier stated that the patient’s samples were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on April 14.
The son was required by the Ospital ng Palawan (ONP) to remain on quarantine in Puerto Princesa and to monitor himself for any COVID-19 symptoms. He said it is unclear if he will still be able to go home after the 14-day quarantine period.
“Dito po ako ngayon, kinukumpleto ko ang 14 days. ‘Yon nga lang, ‘di rin kasi sigurado kung pababalikin ba ako pagkatapos ng 14 days na ito. Mukhang aantayin ko pa rin ang results ni nanay,” he said.
He admits that he and his family has accepted his mother’s passing. However, he is also grateful for the support his colleagues have given while they were in mourning.
“Sa pamilya ko, tanggap na rin naming ito, ang pagkamatay ni nanay. Hindi na talaga lang kami nakapaghanda ng lamay para sa kanya,” he said. “
The results of 12 suspect cases in Puerto Princesa arrived last April 26, but the 63-year-old deceased female’s results were not among them.
“Hawak na ako ng province. Sila magde-decide kung pauuwiin pa nila ako,” said the son.
