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The spokesman for the College of Practical Nursing of Puerto Rico, Julio Irson Ramos, on Tuesday confirmed the death of a 42-year-old nurse by COVID-19.
The victim, who became the 12th nurse to die of the virus on the island, recovered in critical condition for about two weeks.
According to Irson Ramos, The health professional identified as Christine Reyes Lorenzana was a nurse practitioner and a nurse epidemiologist.
“At a time so hopeful because the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Puerto Rico and we have begun to vaccinate all health workers because it’s a bucket of cold water falling on one because life keeps telling us that this is vulnerable and that a nurse like Christine, who was dedicated to ensuring infection control and a woman with all the techniques, we’ve already seen how it was affected, ”the spokesman said. The new day.
Although it was initially reported that the nurse at Dr. Susoni Metropolitan Hospital in Arecibo, the director of the institution, Jormalyz Medina, denied the information.
“However, we unite in the grief that strikes the relatives, friends, relatives and colleagues of the deceased nurse and with all those who have suffered some loss as a result of this illness. Our condolences, ”Medina stated in written statements.
For his part, Irson Ramos urged hospitals not to lower their watch and to provide their employees with the necessary protective equipment. Likewise, Irson Ramos invited the nurses to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“It is important that when the vaccine reaches our hospital, we agree to be vaccinated. Vaccines give life and that is what we are trying to achieve with this vaccine, to completely eliminate this virus that is destroying humanity and that millions of people have died and been affected in the world, ”he stated.
Of the 12 nurses who died on the island from COVID-19, 11 were active nurses and one was retired.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, 1,391 people have died of the virus during the pandemic so far, while 535 people remain in hospital. Of that total, 93 are in an Intensive Care Unit and 97 are connected to a ventilator.