VAX EFFORTS CONTINUE. The Davao City government continues to open vaccination hubs to further increase the vaccination rate. Most of the vaccination centers have been operating until Saturdays to accommodate those who are working or studying on weekdays. (File Photo from City Government of Davao)
DAVAO CITY — Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) cases here have remained low and manageable, even amid the city's Alert Level 1 Status which removes most of the restrictions on mass gatherings.
“We remained lower than 5 percent of the total population (over 1.5 million) which is the acceptable positivity rate declared by the Department of Health,” Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said Friday.
Schlosser noted that the city's cases have been going down in recent months, registering 370 active cases as of February 28, 174 cases as of March 7, and currently sits at 57 cases.
Despite this, Schlosser told the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) that the local government still adheres to the Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy.
“Practicing the PDITR and the continued drive to vaccinate the public has contributed to low turnout of active positive cases,” she said.
The city also maintains quarantine centers and continues contact tracing to prevent further exposure and spread from happening.
Likewise, swab tests for people exhibiting symptoms of the virus are still provided for free.
“Free isolation services are also available for infected individuals who have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic,” Schlosser said.
Twenty-seven of these patients are being treated at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), nine are in private hospitals, five are in Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities, five are endorsed to other facilities and three are in-home isolation. The rest are recommended for triage.
“We hope that the number of positive cases continues to drop. At the same time, we urge Dabawenyos to remain disciplined and be cautious especially when they are outdoors,” Schlosser said.
She also urged Dabawenyos who are not yet vaccinated to get the doses "as soon as possible."
“All the brands that were in demand before are already in stock now and the lines are not long. I encourage them to get vaccinated already, so they can have an added layer of protection,” she said.
Vaccination has been extended until Saturdays to provide more opportunities for working individuals and students.
The vaccination site at the Abreeza Ayala Mall is open from Monday until Sunday. (PNA)
