TESTING. Workers of Eastern Visayas Regional Covid-19 Testing Center (EVCRTC) examine samples from different areas in Eastern Visayas in this June 2020 photo. The Department of Health (DOH) noted on Friday (June 18, 2021) the high positivity rate in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing in the past three days, indicating rising cases and efficient contact tracing activity. (Photo courtesy of EVCRTC)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) has noted the high positivity rate in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing in Eastern Visayas, indicating an increasing number of cases and an efficient contact tracing system.
While it is very alarming that more samples tested turned positive for the coronavirus, it is good to know that the contact tracing system works, said DOH regional information officer Jelyn Lopez-Malibago in a phone interview Friday.
“The positivity rate is still high and is very much alarming. However, let us note that this number signifies that contact tracing and testing activities in the region are efficient, active, and functional since we are able to catch, identify and detect infected people resulting in higher chances of stopping the transmission. The more people tracked and tested, the sooner we get to stop the transmission,” Malibago said.
In the past four days, the region recorded high positivity rates – 28.05 percent on June 18, followed by 35.35 percent on June 17, then on June 16 was 27.83 percent, and 27.33 percent on June 15.
These figures show the percentage of samples that turned positive for Covid-19 out of the total samples examined.
“Bringing down the figures may it be positivity rate or the actual number of cases needs not only the action of DOH but of everyone. That is why we continue and intensify our advocacy activities, provision of technical assistance and monitoring to local governments, and constant coordination with other agencies and entities,” she added.
On Friday, 359 new cases were detected out of the 1,280 laboratory samples examined by three testing centers in Eastern Visayas.
Of the total, 45 new infections were reported in this city, 10 in Ormoc City, 162 in Leyte province, 46 in Southern Leyte, two in Northern Samar, 39 in Eastern Samar, 27 in Samar, and 28 in Biliran.
With the new infections, the region’s total confirmed cases rose to 25,824, including 23,166 recoveries, and 356 deaths. There are still 2,302 active cases. (PNA)
