CALLS FOR ECQ MOUNT. Doctors in Negros Oriental are calling for the declaration of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the province as Covid-19 cases surge. Some hospitals in the province have reached their full bed capacity for Covid-19 patients. (PNA file photo)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Two groups of medical doctors in Negros Oriental are calling on government to impose stricter quarantine measures, such as the declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) continued to surge in the province.
On Sunday, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP)-Negros Oriental Chapter said in a statement that the province is now the “epicenter” of Covid-19 in Region 7 (Central Visayas), as cases steadily climbed to unprecedented numbers over the past several weeks.
The Negros Oriental Medical Society (NOMS) said in a separate statement that the province needs to act at the soonest time, fearing that the local health system would collapse as some hospitals have already reached full bed capacity for Covid-19 patients.
Aside from ECQ, the doctors are also calling for the reimposition of curfew and a halt to gatherings, and socializing.
“We know that there is this rapid rise in cases more than the hospitals can handle. We know that we are losing precious lives. We know that we have so many critically ill and not enough resources. We only know the value of saving a life,” the NOMS added.
The PCP-Negros Oriental noted that the average daily attack rate of Negros Oriental is currently at 8.12, while the critical level is more than seven. It also asked the government to institute “a higher form of quarantine” and to speed up the administration of vaccines.
“We are calling on our local businesses to enforce stricter quarantine rules and have a heightened sense of social responsibility. We are pleading to our fellow Negrenses to be more cognizant of health practices and safety protocols,” the medical group added.
The latest report from the Provincial Health Office covering May 18 and 19, showed 204 new positive infections.
Gov. Roel Degamo is expected to issue an executive order addressing the different concerns raised by the community on the spiraling cases of Covid-19 in Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo announced through the official Facebook page of the city government on Monday that he tested positive for Covid-19.
He said he took the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test Sunday as a requirement for all those attending the national peace and order council meeting to be presided by President Rodrigo Duterte here this Monday afternoon.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) informed the mayor Sunday evening of the RT-PCR test result that turned out positive.
“I remain asymptomatic and have isolated myself,” he said.
In his “physical absence”, the city government will continue with its regular functions although he will still be “working while in isolation”.
Remollo also called on the people to take the Covid-19 seriously amidst calls from various sectors for stricter quarantine measures to curb the surge of infections in Negros Oriental, with this capital city having the highest number of cases.
“I fervently hope that this will serve as something to seriously reflect on even to those who are religious in observing the basic protocols,” he said. “Covid-19 is by far the most treacherous of all viruses. It unwittingly strikes when one is in the company of friends, family and co-workers." (PNA)
