In this May 9, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III eats lunch sent by his brother who just celebrated his birthday at San Juan in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron FavilaMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Uncertainties over the coronavirus remain, but there have been heartwarming anecdotes too, like the acts of courage and sacrifice of people helping deal with the unprecedented crisis at their life’s peril.
In the Philippines, 41-year-old anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III knew the risks but kept working in a hospital in a Manila coronavirus hotspot. He has to live apart from his family as an agonizing safeguard.
In this May 9, 2020, photo, protective suits, hospital wear and jeans are left to dry after being washed by anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III at their house in Manila's San Juan, PhilippinesPHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron Favila
In this May 9, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III arranges his clothes as he lives alone at their house at San Juan in Manila, PhilippinesPHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron FavilaADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWWhat other parents are reading
As he feared, he got infected. Although he didn’t show any of the dreadful symptoms, death was constantly on his mind and he struggled with isolation in an apartment. At one point while on quarantine, Sotelo recorded a farewell video for his daughter and wife.
“My greatest fear was not seeing nor being able to hold my daughter again,” he said.
In this May 9, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III tries to call his daughter while living alone at their house at San Juan in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron Favila
In this May 11, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III reacts as he talks to his 2-year-old daughter via video call as he lives alone at their house at San Juan in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron FavilaCONTINUE READING BELOWRecommended VideosWhat other parents are reading
After learning that he was free of the virus on April 20, Sotelo waited for days, then met his daughter in a tearful reunion. He donated plasma to help save a COVID-19 patient as an act of thanksgiving.
In this May 9, 2020, photo, vitamins and hypertensive medicine lay on the table of anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III as he lives alone at their house at San Juan in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron Favila
In this May 7, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III donates plasma so his antibodies can be transferred to help a COVID-19 patient at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center at San Juan in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron FavilaADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
*In this May 11, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III places a surgical mask before wearing his helmet outside the Ospital ng Sampaloc as he prepares to go home in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron FavilaWhat other parents are reading
In this May 8, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III wears a protective suit as they conduct targeted mass testing among residents at Sampaloc district in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron FavilaADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
In this May 8, 2020, photo, anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III, second from right, talks to a fellow healthcare worker as they conduct targeted mass testing among residents at Sampaloc district in Manila, Philippines.PHOTO BY AP Photo/Aaron FavilaAfter the life-threatening experience, Sotelo had no qualms about courting danger again amid a lack of Philippine health personnel fighting infections. He donned layers of protective suits and a face mask to go back to work helping patients.
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