COVID-19: Recovered Filipino doctor back helping patients

Anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III rides his scooter past Ospital ng Sampaloc as he drives home after work at Sampaloc district in Manila. Sotelo was tested positive for the COVID-19 disease last month and is now cleared of the virus. Like many health workers, he now lives away from family for fear that he might bring home the virus as he goes back to the frontlines to take care of COVID-19 patients.

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. 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 agonising safeguard. | Above: Sotelo wipes sweat from his head as he arrives from work at his house.

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. | Above: Sotelo arranges his clothes at his house.

"My greatest fear was not seeing nor being able to hold my daughter again," Sotelo said. | Above: Sotelo reacts as he talks to his 2-year-old daughter via video call.

After learning that he was free of the virus on April 20, Sotelo waited for days, then met his daughter in a tearful reunion. | Above: Sotelo tries to call his daughter while living alone at their house at San Juan in Manila.

Sotelo donates plasma to help save a COVID-19 patient as an act of thanksgiving at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center at San Juan in Manila.

After the life-threatening experience, Sotelo had no qualms about courting danger again amid a lack of Philippine health personnel fighting infections. He (second from right) donned layers of protective suits and a face mask to go back to work helping patients.

Manuel Sotelo III eats lunch sent by his brother who just celebrated his birthday at San Juan in Manila.

Vitamins and hypertensive medicine lay on the table of anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III.

Manuel Sotelo III plays a video game inside their bedroom as he takes a break from work and house chores at San Juan in Manila.

Manuel Sotelo III places a surgical mask before wearing his helmet outside the Ospital ng Sampaloc as he prepares to go home in Manila.

Manuel Sotelo III wears a protective suit as they conduct targeted mass testing among residents at Sampaloc district in Manila.

Anesthesiologist Manuel Sotelo III squeezes a ball as he 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.

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.

Manuel Sotelo III checks his emails while eating lunch sent by his brother who just celebrated his birthday at San Juan.

Manuel Sotelo III walks down the stairs at his house at San Juan in Manila.