DOH clarifies Covid-19 data variance with LGUs

By Connie Calipay

The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Bicol has clarified the difference between its daily Covid-19 update and the data released by some local government units (LGUs).

In a statement, the DOH said its Covid-19 updates issued daily were from the department’s Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU).

DOH said that the daily Covid-19 updates of DOH-CHD Bicol are dependent on both the number of positive cases and the specimens that were examined by Covid-19 laboratories, which include the report with regard to the number of Covid-19 related deaths and recoveries from the provincial/city/municipal hospital epidemiology and surveillance units.

“DOH Bicol wants to clarify that the daily Covid-19 update does not include recoveries and deaths that are not reported by the LGU to the RESU. This is the main cause of the difference in data within the reports of DOH Bicol and other LGUs,” the statement said.

To match the data, the RESU reconciles these with the LGUs. However, the DOH-CHD Bicol reminds LGUs that they should immediately report their recorded deaths and recoveries for better matching of the Covid-19 data.

The DOH asked for public understanding and the cooperation of LGUs and the private sector.

It also reminded the public to follow the health protocols in order to curb the spread of Covid-19. (PNA)