ILOILO – This province prepares in the “lull” of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It sees a spike in cases by January next year.
Public mobility could increase this December, according to Gov. Defensor Jr., citing the gentler community quarantine subsequent to the steady drop in coronavirus cases at this time.
“Even with the vaccination, may posibilidad nga matabo liwat ang sang January (2021),” said Defensor.
There were almost zero cases at the end of November 2020, said Defensor.
But come mid-December 2020, coronavirus cases followed an upward trend up to January 2021.
The governor will convene the 43 local chief executives to think of ways to arrest the possibility.
“We will take advantage sang November and December para kon matabo na sia mahapos-hapos sa aton ang pag-atubang sang problema,” he added.
Defensor specifically emphasized the need to maintain people’s compliance to the minimum public health standards, especially the prohibition of social gatherings.
Defensor also wants reverse isolation to be properly implemented in each household to protect vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens and persons with comorbidities.
According to Defensor, if only senior citizens and persons with comorbidities can be protected, the health care utilization rate (HCUR) of district hospitals will surely be reduced.
The provincial government is also preparing the COVID-19 Critical Care Unit at the Iloilo Provincial Hospital (IPH) in Barangay Rumbang, Pototan to cater to severe COVID cases.
“Almost ready na ang facility,” Defensor said.
By the time the Critical Care Unit in IPH becomes operational, Defensor plans to set up a similar facility in other district hospitals.
The provincial government also continues to improve the Iloilo Sports Complex, which serves as the Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility.
As of Oct. 25, Iloilo had 1,812 active cases./PN
