ILOILO CITY – The city health office (CHO) here alerted the public about the upward trend in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases and urged them to continue practicing minimum health protocols, such as wearing face masks for protection.
In a press conference Thursday, CHO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Medical Officer III Jan Reygine Ansino-Hortinela said the city registered 255 cases from January to Aug. 7.
Of this number, 33 are still active, 209 have recovered, and 13 died.
“Looking at the Covid-19 status in Iloilo City, we have a two-week growth rate of 500 percent, compared with the previous 46.67 percent. Our average daily attack increased to 0.74 percent (for every 100,000 population) from 0.12. This is moderate risk,” she said.
Based on the CHO data, from eight cases during the July 10-23 period, it jumped to 48 in the July 24 to Aug. 6 period.
Most cases belong to the working age group, with 35 as the median age, and working in health care facilities.
“It is not alarming but we would like to raise awareness so that those who might be affected, especially the elderly, can take precautions. It’s not enough to say that we have an outbreak,” Hortinela said.
She identified the resumption of classes, the influx of conferences, and the change in weather as July is flu season as the reasons for the increase.
Hortinela encouraged the public to follow the health protocols.
“We encourage wearing masks in crowded areas, including front-line workers and those with multiple clients like banks and the treasurer’s office,” she added.
The same is also recommended for the elderly, those with co-morbidities and immuno-compromised individuals, pregnant women, unvaccinated, and symptomatic.
She also advised the public to stay home once they manifest flu-like symptoms and seek early consultation. (PNA)
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