The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital Management has confirmed that a total of 530 of its hospital staff members are in quarantine due to exposure to patients with or suspected to have COVID-19.

According to The Varsitarian, the official newspage of UST, the hospital announced on Friday that it would regulate admissions.

The UST Hospital will also postpone elective procedures in selected units to reduce workforce due to the incident.

The health workers under quarantine includes consultants, fellows, residents, nurses, and aides, according to a statement from the hospital.

“To address the issues brought about by the depleted workforce, we have consolidated several wards in the Private and Clinical Division, temporarily held elective admissions and had to temporarily stop elective procedures in selected units,” the statement read. — Neena Armillo