DOH calls for vigilance amid rise in Covid cases

By Mar S. Arguelles

The Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to be more vigilant and strictly practice public health standards after it recorded a slight increase in Covid-19 cases in the region.

The DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) recorded that a 14 percent rise in Covid-19 cases for the period Mar. 14 to 20, 2021 with 117 cases as compared to the March 7-13 with 103 reported cases.

The RESU said that there is a possibility of a continuous increase in cases in Bicol with the upcoming observance of the Holy Week, where local residents from Metro Manila and other regions would be returning home.

Noemi Bron, DOH public affairs chief, said the surge in Covid-19 cases may also be attributed to the laxity of the public in strictly observing the standard health protocols to curb the spread of the virus.

Bron said the agency urges the public to strictly practice the minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks, face shields, physic distancing, hand washing, and avoidance of mass gatherings.

The DOH reiterated its call to the public to cooperate and follow the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.

Local Government Units (LGUs) were also enjoined to strengthen the profiling and screening of incoming travelers for signs and symptoms of Covid-19, and urged local officials to implement quarantine/isolation measures based on existing guidelines for the prevention and management of Covid-19 in the region.

As of Mar. 22, 2021, Bicol has recorded 5,174 cumulative cases of Covid-19 since Mar. 17 last year, with 4,538 recoveries and 226 deaths.