Another Filipino nurse has succumbed to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) while working in a National Health Service (NHS) hospital in the United Kingdom.
Ruben Muñoz Jr., 52-year-old nurse from Naga, Camarines Sur who worked in London, has died of COVID-19 last April 17, 2020. He worked in the NHS for since 2010, and contracted the disease while attending to patients at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, the United Kingdom.
Muñoz was placed under the care of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and fought a hard battle for 12 long days through a ventilator until his passing.
Ako Bicol Partylist said in a statement that Munoz was a Nagueno who spent his early education in the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) in the year 1983 and later the Ateneo De Naga High School in the year 1987. His parents were former UNC Professor Mrs. Antonia Munoz and Former DENR Official Mr. Ruben Munoz Sr.
“Mr. Munoz gave his life in the call of duty. His life and works has saved countless lives. He is a concrete example that heroes do live among us. And as Bicolanos we share the same responsibility and courage in keeping us all safe,” the statement reads.
[Related: 20 Filipino health workers in UK died of COVID-19.]
The Philippine Embassy in London reported that there are already 20 Filipino healthcare workers who died due to COVID-19 in the UK.
“We are deeply concerned about the deaths of Filipino health workers who sacrificed their lives as the world continues to fight this vicious disease. They put their lives on the line so that others may heal, live, and be reunited with their loved ones,” said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo.