UPDATES. Dr. Rheuel Bobis, Department of Health Center for Health Development Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD 1) Covid-19 focal person, during the virtual presser hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region on Monday (Oct.18, 2021). Bobis gave updates on the Covid-19 cases and vaccination rollout in the region. (Screenshot from PIA's virtual presser)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – At least 79,254 out of the 88,853 total number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the Ilocos Region have recovered as of October 17, according to the Department of Health Center for Health Development Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD 1).
In a virtual presser hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region on Monday, DOH-CHD-1 Covid-19 focal person Dr. Rheuel Bobis said of the total number of recovered patients, 17,776 were from Ilocos Norte, 14,254 in Ilocos Sur, 16,113 in La Union, 26,890 in Pangasinan, and 4,221 in Dagupan City.
Bobis attributed the high number of recoveries to the measures undertaken by the DOH and the local government units (LGUs) in response to the surge in the Covid-19 cases in the past months.
“There were strict border checkpoints and zoning containment strategies wherein some parts were placed under lockdown to conduct contact tracing and limit the movement of people,” he said.
Bobis said the number of active cases in the region also declined compared to the previous months.
“Active cases in the region from June to July were at 77 percent, 53 percent in August, and 46.5 percent in September,” he added.
As of October 17, the number of active cases in the region reached 7,865.
“Although Pangasinan remains to have the most number of total cases, La Union now has the highest number of active cases among the four provinces in the region with 2,992,” he said.
Bobis said the decline in the number of active cases in the region has also lowered the utilization rate of equipment and beds in isolation facilities and hospitals.
“Dedicated beds and equipment for Covid-19 utilization rate in the entire region are now at 41 percent or a safe zone, although La Union is still at high risk as its intensive care unit and isolation bed utilization rate are at 71 percent and 75 percent, respectively,” he said.
He reminded the residents to continue to abide by the minimum health standard and protocols and have themselves vaccinated to fight the Covid-19 of any variant. (PNA)
