PLM woman employee dies, two recovering from COVID-19

July 23, 2020

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) on Thursday said a 57-year-old employee died due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement, Mai Lagman, PLM information officer, said the campus extended its condolences to the family of the employee.

“The University confirms the passing of a 57-year-old female who died due to COVID-related issues this morning. She last reported in campus on July 9 and experienced flu-like symptoms on July 11,” Lagman said.

“Her symptoms worsened the following week, which led to her taking a swab test and her confinement at a Manila hospital where she eventually passed away,” she added.

Lagman said two other employees also tested positive for the disease.

“One has recovered and the other is now recovering while in a hospital. These cases were confirmed as (COVID-19) at different dates and different locations,” she said.

Lagman said there is still no COVID-19 transmission within campus grounds.

The PLM assured that daily disinfection protocols and triage processes are in place to protect the workforce from COVID-19.

The PLM COVID-19 Task Force, which has been convened prior to the return of employees reporting to work,  conducted immediate and meticulous contact tracing for those who came in contact with the patients.

They were advised to isolate themselves for 14 days.

Lagman said existing protocols involve disinfecting campus premises every morning and afternoon, while frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and stairway rails are disinfected every two hours.

“With the employee’s passing, university officials have specifically decontaminated her work area ahead of the date of the regular sanitation and procedures,” she said.

As PLM prepares for the re-opening of classes on September 3, a limited number of  employees have been reporting on site since June to maintain essential services.

Staff deployment plans are approved weekly to ensure that offices are operating only at limited capacity and strict social distancing is enforced while the campus remains off-limits to visitors.

Disinfecting mats, alongside a steady supply of rubbing alcohol and soap and water in comfort rooms, are also in place for regular handwashing and sanitation.

“Workers reporting physically must accomplish health declaration forms and are told to stay home if they feel symptoms such as cough, fever, diarrhea, and difficulty in breathing,” said Lagman. Ella Dionisio/DMS