MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has assured expectant mothers that it is safe to give birth in hospitals and other health facilities despite the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
The agency stressed that hospitals are following strict infection prevention and control measures against COVID-19.
“Huwag tayong mangamba na manganak sa ospital. Ang ating mga ospital ay may mahigpit na infection prevention and control measures. Hindi nito pababayaan ang kalusugan niyo at ni baby,” the DOH said in an infographic posted on its Facebook account Thursday.
“Ginagawa nila ang lahat ng kanilang makakaya upang makapagbigay ng dekalidad na birthing services habang patuloiy ang paglaban ng ating bansa kontra COVID-19,” it added.
The DOH also reminded pregnant women to continue undergoing pre-natal checkups or contact their healthcare providers through call, text or e-mail.
And since mass transportation systems are suspended due to the enhanced community quarantine, the DOH said would-be mothers and their kin should coordinate with their barangay officials for assistance prior to delivery.
As of Thursday, the Philippines has 4,076 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 203 deaths and 124 recoveries.