COVID-19 cases in Central Visayas balloon to 190

CEBU CITY: Central Visayas now has 190 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Department of Health (DOH)-Region 7 said Monday.

The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Sub-National Laboratory (VSMMC-SNL) released late Sunday the 118 test results, with four additional positive cases.

The data on confirmed cases show the number has almost doubled since April 15 after city health officials closely monitored viral disease cases in Sitio Zapatera of Barangay Luz here.

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 regional director, said in a statement they also recorded one Covid-19 patient who died, bringing to nine the total number of deaths in the region.

“The new confirmed cases and the additional death have slightly increased the case fatality rate or the percentage of deaths among those who are infected with Covid-19 at 4.7 percent from 4 percent. However, it is still lower compared to the global average of 6.4 percent,” Bernadas said.

He said Cebu City had two more coronavirus-positive patients recorded on Sunday, bringing the total to 165. Lapu-Lapu City has 11; Mandaue City--6; Cordova--1; Talisay--1; and Consolacion--1.

Negros Oriental still has four cases recorded, and Bohol, one case since the start of the Covid-19 health crisis.

Siquijor remains to have no documented case of the viral infection. 

Bernadas said, “contact tracing activities for the new cases are now being conducted by the local health authorities”.

Meanwhile, he encouraged residents in different provinces in the region to contact their local government units for questions on limitations of movement.

He said that work from home arrangements have been put in place in order to avoid the presence of people in public places, in an effort to contain the virus.

“We urge everyone to stay at home and limit going out unless for essential reasons. Staying at home has been shown by studies to effectively slow the transmission of cases especially in areas where congestion is a reality,” he said.

Bernadas also reminded health care workers to follow infection control measures in dealing with suspected Covid-19 patients.

“Changing your work clothes before going home prevents any contamination that may have been obtained while on duty which results to further contamination of your contacts on the way home. Small steps like these can have a big impact on preventing an increase in cases of Covid-19,” he added.

He also reminded the public to read safety labels on chemicals that may be used to disinfect their homes.

Bernadas likewise pushed proper disposal of wastes to avoid the spread of infection and contaminating the environment with harmful chemicals is strongly advised. 

(John Rey Saavedra/PNA)