The Department of Health Eastern Visayas regional office in Palo, Leyte. (PNA file photo)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here has reported a slight increase in new cases of Covid-19 in Eastern Visayas during the Holy Week.
The DOH said nine new cases were recorded from April 3-9 out of 32 samples tested during the height of Holy Week activities such as church masses, processions, passion plays and Easter vigils, among others.
The region recorded a 28 percent positivity rate, higher than those recorded in the past weeks and months.
Last week, the region recorded five new cases and a 10 percent positivity rate.
“Although we have a high positivity rate, the number is still too low compared to the number of cases from other parts of the country. Nevertheless, we continue to urge the public to follow our minimum public health standards,” said DOH Eastern Visayas regional information office Jelyn Lopez-Malibago in a message sent to reporters.
The nine new cases, according to Malibago, are mostly reported from admitted cases, “just like in the past weeks where most of the cases were incidental Covid-19 cases.”
The official believes that the effects of the holidays will be further seen in the coming weeks.
The DOH also said there is no severe and critical case admitted to hospitals due to Covid-19. Out of 49 ICU beds intended for patients with Covid-19, zero are occupied.
With the implementation of less stringent Covid-19 public safety protocols throughout the country, the DOH is advising the public to continue observing the minimum public health standards when in a crowded area, public spaces, or traveling.
Among these safety practices are the continued wearing of face mask, isolating oneself when sick, doubling up protection through vaccination, and ensuring proper ventilation when in enclosed spaces.
Since the pandemic broke out in early 2020 until April 10, 2023, the region has logged 64,746 Covid-19 cases, 64,043 recoveries and 694 deaths. (PNA)
