KALIBO, Aklan – For the past two weeks, the province of Aklan was averaging 19 cases of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
New infections stood at 260 cases from April 28 to May 11, up by 58 percent from the 165 count from April 13 to April 27.
The high numbers of active infections were recorded in Kalibo with 62, Malay with 54, Nabas with 47, and New Washington and Makato with 14 each.
The province, which is currently under modified general enhanced community quarantine, recorded 1,819 cases with 42 deaths since the start of the pandemic last year.
Loosening social restrictions were believed to have contributed to a surge in infections. On May 11, there were 13 new cases in Kalibo, Buruanga, Numancia and Malay.
Across the province, 87 percent of people tested positive for coronavirus recovered, but more than 200 people isolated in their homes and quarantine facilities.
Health authorities have administered doses of CoronaVac (Sinovac) and AstraZeneca vaccines in municipalities. Some towns have almost done vaccinating their healthcare workers (A1 category) and have started the vaccination for the elderly (A2 category).
In Boracay Island, the local task force placed Zone 5 of Barangay Manocmanoc under surgical lockdown until May 14.
The government is still requiring tourists to the island, including those who have been vaccinated, have a negative COVID-19 test administered 72 hours before departure./PN
