DOH: Bicol still safe despite rising cases of Covid-19

The Bicol region is still a safe zone despite of increasing number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases as a result of the opening of its borders to locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) since June this year.

Ernie Vera, Department of Health (DOH) Bicol regional director, said that the region remains on safe zone even though coronavirus positive cases are increasing.

On July 17, DOH Bicol recorded 14 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 bringing to 258 the total number of patients in the region. Out of these, 144 are active cases.

Of the 14 new cases, three came from Catanduanes, five from Masbate, five from Camarines Sur, and one from Albay.

The towns of Gigmoto in Catanduanes and Goa in Camarines Sur recorded their first cases.

Out of the 14 new cases, 13 were LSIs and one ROF.

Among the six provinces of Bicol, Camarines Sur has the highest cases with 101 followed by Albay, 95, Masbate, 29, Catanduanes, 13, Sorsogon, 12, and Camarines Norte with 8.

Currently, 17 persons positive with coronavirus were admitted to hospital and 121 are in quarantine facilities. Bicol region has 8 number of deaths. Albay with 4, Camarines Sur, 2, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon with one each.