LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol on Wednesday said all the 13 patients under investigation (PUI) for the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) have been cleared and discharged from their quarantine facilities.
Dr. Ernie Vera, DOH regional director, in an interview said all the PUIs' laboratory tests yielded negative results. “This makes Bicol a Covid-free region,” he said.
Vera, however, said there are still 19 persons under monitoring (PUMs) in the region who are undergoing the 14-day quarantine period in their homes.
There were previously 20 PUMs but one was already cleared. They were located in Camarines Sur, seven; Sorsogon, six; Albay, four; Masbate, two; and Camarines Norte, one. No PUM was reported in Catanduanes.
It was not disclosed where the cleared PUM is from.
PUMs are those who have travel history to China, Hong Kong, Macao and other countries with Covid-19 cases but do not have symptoms of the disease.
Vera urged the public to help maintain the Covid-19-free status of Bicol Region by following precautionary measures against the viral disease including maintaining proper hygiene and strengthening the body's immunity.
“We would like to express our gratitude to all stakeholders, agencies, LGUs (local government units), private institutions, media partners and others who tirelessly support the combat against the coronavirus disease 2019,” he said.
DOH-Bicol hopes for the continuous efforts of everyone to prevent the entry of Covid-19 into the region. (PNA)
