MikeLigalig.com

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The city’s lone confirmed 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patient who has now recovered said he is willing to donate his blood plasma to help combat the deadly disease.

Businessman William Gonzales, who was known as PH 3669, said Wednesday he told health authorities here he will cooperate "in any way possible" to help other Covid-19 patients overcome the virus.

“I am willing to donate my blood plasma if that can help others also recover,” he told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.

The 59-year-old trader, who is still undergoing home quarantine, said he has agreed to come out in the open so others can also learn from his story.

Several major hospitals in the country have already conducted experimental treatment for Covid-19 using the blood plasma of recovered patients.

Pending the availability of vaccines, the World Health Organization has given its go-signal for the treatment as an alternative approach to managing patients.

Gonzales, who was confirmed Covid-19 case on April 7, described his nearly two-week ordeal as a “lesson in life” and eventual recovery as a “miracle.”

The known cockfighting aficionado believed that he contracted the disease when he attended the Araw ng Dabaw six-cock derby held at the New Davao Matina Gallera in Davao City from March 6 to 12.

When told that he was positive of Covid-19, he said the thought of not being able to survive the virus immediately cross his mind--as it was also raised by some doctors.

Despite the grim scenario, Gonzales said he did not lose hope and fervently prayed for God’s healing.

“But I questioned: why me? People can no longer come near me and I can’t even call my family. It dawned on me at that point that God is my only chance and I am really grateful for this second chance,” he said.

Gonzales said his perspectives in life has changed so much in the past weeks, especially in terms of cockfighting, and believed that he has found a “new purpose.”

He thanked the doctors, nurses and other front-liners who took care of him, saying they were instrumental in his recovery.

“They sacrificed their lives and did all their best despite the difficult situation,” he added.

With Gonzales' recovery, local officials said the city has no recorded Covid-19 case as of Tuesday, April 21.

In the same period, a total of 28 suspected Covid-19 patients here have tested negative for the virus while four were still awaiting laboratory confirmation.

Among those pending was the case of the city’s third suspect Covid-19 patient, a 45-year-old male, who died on April 19 due to “pneumonia severe hypoxia and septicemia secondary to severe pneumonia.”

The City Health Office said at least 45 persons who were earlier traced to have made close contact with PH 3669 have already completed their mandatory home quarantine without manifesting any symptoms of the disease. (PNA)

* Stay at Home and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.wirenine.com



Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=101259.0