SWAB COLLECTION. A health worker collects swab samples from a locally stranded individual who returned to Kananga, Leyte in this Aug. 1, 2020 photo. The Department of Health on Saturday (Dec. 19, 2020) reported 103 new coronavirus disease 2019 cases in Eastern Visayas, bringing the region's total to 10,002. (Photo courtesy of Kananga local government)
TACLOBAN CITY – Confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in Eastern Visayas have jumped to 10,002 as 103 new cases were recorded on Saturday.
In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 45 new infections in Leyte, 18 in Eastern Samar, 13 in Tacloban City, 11 in Samar, seven in Ormoc City, five in Southern Leyte, and four in Biliran.
They are part of the 1,139 laboratory results from the Eastern Visayas Regional Covid-19 Testing Center and Divine Word Virology Laboratory both in this city, and Ormoc City Molecular Diagnostic Center.
Of the regional total, 92.30 percent or 9,232 patients recovered.
The DOH attributed the region's high recovery rate to the high percentage of asymptomatic or mild patients which is 98.8 percent of the total.
These cases are managed in local community isolation units and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities but transferred to a higher health care facility if further management is needed.
To date, the region has 659 active cases, while 111 patients have died due to complications, mostly senior citizens and persons with comorbidities.
Although it recognizes the significance of celebrating family and cultural traditions during this Christmas, the DOH said certain preventive measures and strategies must be observed in participating in holiday activities amid the threat of Covid-19.
The health department also encouraged everyone to use alternative noise-making tools in welcoming the New Year instead of firecrackers and "torotot" or whistles that would risk the spread of the virus due to respiratory droplets. (PNA)
