RECOVERED. A Covid-19 survivor in Palo, Leyte receives a certificate after testing negative of the virus and completing the mandatory quarantine in this undated photo. The Department of Health on Saturday (Jan. 30, 2021) reported that 12,999 patients in Eastern Visayas have recovered from the illness since the start of the global health crisis. (Photo courtesy of Palo Mayor Ann Petilla)
TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 12,999 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients in Eastern Visayas have recovered from the illness, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday.
In its latest case bulletin, 67 new recoveries were recorded in the region while 159 more have been infected -- 77 in Leyte, 27 in Tacloban City, 20 in Samar, 11 in Ormoc City, 10 in Southern Leyte, eight in Eastern Samar, and six in Northern Samar.
The total number of recoveries represent 93.06 percent of the region's 13,969 confirmed cases since March last year.
The DOH attributed the region's high recovery rate to the high percentage of asymptomatic or mild patients, which is 98.6 percent of the total and the rest are severe or critical cases.
To date, the region has 792 active cases, while 178 patients have died of complications, mostly senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, the DOH said
On Wednesday, the regional epidemiology and surveillance unit disclosed that new cases in the region went down by 34 percent compared to the same reporting period last December.
“We were expecting a surge in cases due to social gatherings during the holidays but our cases have gone down. However, we must remain vigilant and continue the strict practice of minimum health standards,” said Boyd Cerro, DOH-RESU nurse, during its weekly virtual presser.
The region is now under the low-risk category with an infection rate of one per 100,000 population, the DOH said.
With the rising threat of the more contagious variant of Covid-19 that was first detected in the United Kingdom, the regional health office urged local government units (LGU) to strictly practice the standard quarantine protocols for returning residents.
This includes the mandatory 14-day quarantine in a designated facility upon arrival, with no visitation, and testing on the fifth day of the quarantine.
The health official reiterated its information drive dubbed “BIDA Solusyon”, which promotes four key behaviors to reduce the possible transmission of the virus.
BIDA stands for Bawal walang mask (Not wearing a face mask is not allowed); I-sanitize ang mga kamay at iwas hawak sa mga bagay (Sanitize your hands and avoid touching surfaces); Dumistansiya ng isang metro (Keep a one-meter distance from other people); and Alamin ang totoong impormasyon (Know the factual information).
The DOH also urged the public to support the country's vaccination program against Covid-19. (PNA)
