Filipina-American nurse Celia Yap-Banago passed away last April 21 following a battle with COVID-19. She was set to retire this week, after caring for her last patient at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Lung Center Reports Zero COVID-19 Infections of Personnel After 1 Month)
Celia was reportedly treating a COVID-19 patient when she herself contracted the virus. She informed her family on March 23 that her patient had begun to show symptoms of the disease. Celia’s own condition worsened on March 29.
A co-worker from the medical center claims healthcare workers are being asked to treat patients without Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Celia was part of the National United Nurses, a nurse’s union that is raising awareness on the lack of PPEs in the United States.
Celia was about to celebrate her 40th anniversary at the hospital. She leaves behind 2 sons and her husband. Her family honors her as a hero for having continued caring for patients even amid a global pandemic.
The Department of Foreign Affairs recorded a total of 1,677 Filipinos abroad infected with COVID-19 as of April 30. There have been 451 recoveries and 201 fatalities.
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