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Ilocos tightens border protocols to prevent entry of Omicron

By Hilda Austria

June 16, 2022, 6:50 pm

<p>Department of Health Center for Health Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) Covid-19 focal person Dr. Rheuel Bobis. <em>(PNA file photo)</em></p>

Department of Health Center for Health Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) Covid-19 focal person Dr. Rheuel Bobis. (PNA file photo)

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Department of Health Center for Health Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) remains vigilant against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Omicron sub-variant despite zero cases in the region as of Thursday.

“We are strengthening border control protocols in coordination with the local government units to ensure that everyone who enters the region will be screened for signs and symptoms of Covid-19,” DOH-CHD-1 Covid-19 focal person Dr. Rheuel Bobis said in a virtual video presentation.

Bobis said they are also in close coordination with the hospitals in the four provinces of the region in case the Omicron sub-variant enters the region.

“We are also increasing the coverage of vaccination. The vaccine offers protection against any sub-variant of Covid-19,” he said.

Bobis said the Omicron sub-variant according to studies has increased transmissibility.

“Studies are still ongoing whether it could cause serious illness,” he added.

Bobis reminded the public to continue wearing face masks and observe the standard health protocols.

Based on the data of DOH-CHD-1, the average daily Covid-19 cases in the region increased to four from June 5 to 11, which is 75 percent higher than cases from May 29 to June 4.

The non-intensive care unit (ICU) bed utilization rate is at 10 percent, while the ICU bed utilization rate is 18 percent.

There are now 3.7 million residents in the region who are fully vaccinated, or 88 percent of the target eligible population.

Some 825,734 individuals have received their booster shots as of June 12. (PNA)

 

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