Delhi Cancer Institute shut after 18 staff-members test COVID-19 positive
What's the story
In yet another concerning turn of events, the Delhi State Cancer Institute was shut after 18 of its staff members, including doctors and nurses, tested positive for coronavirus, the deadly virus that has taken over 100 lives in India.
Shutters were pulled on the medical facility as a "precautionary measure" and the premises are being sanitized, the medical superintendent told ANI.
Series of events
Doctor caught infection from unknown source, passed it on
Just last week, the hospital was shut for out-patient clinics after a 35-year-old doctor tested positive for coronavirus.
He had no travel history, but his brother and sister-in-law visited the UK in February. They, however, didn't pass the infection to him as their results were found to be negative.
From the doctor, other staff members- one doctor and sixteen nurses- possibly got infected.
Details
Cancer patients will undergo COVID-19 tests
About what happened, Dr. BL Sherwal, the medical superintendent, said the hospital will shift nineteen of its cancer patients to other places. "Talks are on with Dharamshila Superspeciality Hospital," he said.
Before sending them, the hospital will run COVID-19 tests on the cancer patients, Dr. Sherwal added.
"Cancer patients are immune-compromised patients and are a high-risk group," he explained.
Quote
Dr. Sherwal said they are taking all the precautions
"Some of the staff members are admitted at the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital. We are very particular about the health of our doctors and nurses and all measures are being taken and their contact tracing has also started," Dr. Sherwal said.
Concern
Earlier, a hospital in posh area of Mumbai was shut
That coronavirus is infecting doctors and nurses is absolutely daunting and it shows how capable the virus is of destroying healthcare systems.
Just yesterday, Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital was shut temporarily after three doctors and 26 nurses contracted the infection.
The nurses alleged they were being forced to work without personal protective equipments (PPEs) and were not tested early. The hospital has denied the allegations.
Details
Delhi announced ex-gratia if healthcare workers pass away
It was a doctor's infection that sparked fear of community transmission in Delhi. The doctor, who treated a Saudi Arabia returnee, saw over 800 patients in a matter of a few days, all of whom were asked to self-quarantine.
Last week, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the kin of healthcare workers will get Rs. 1 crore compensation if they die battling the pandemic.