ILOILO City – This southern city is seeing an uptick in new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections leading to Christmas.
From Dec. 1 to 10, the City Health Office (CHO) reported a total of 147 COVID-19 infections – one case lower from last month’s 148 cases recorded in the same 10-day period.
“COVID-19 cases are increasing. We have seen an uptrend this December,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
On Dec. 4, the CHO recorded 20 new COVID-19 cases.
There were 15 additional COVID-19 cases detected on Dec. 9. These cases were mostly direct contacts of those who attended wakes and group gatherings. On Thursday, 21 new infections were recorded.
The city’s daily average COVID-19 positive cases is 15.
Villages with most number of COVID-19 cases were Barangay Tabuc Suba in Jaro district at 16; Balabago, Balantang and Cuba in Jaro (10); Calumpang, Molo district (nine); Bakhaw and Bolilao in Mandurriao and Sto. Niño Norte, Arevalo (five each); and Buhang and Dungon C, Jaro and Oñate de Leon, Mandurriao (four each).
Mayor Treñas attributed the spike to the extensive contact tracing efforts of the COVID Team.
“We expected to have an increase in numbers since we are testing all close contacts of our confirmed patients,” he added.
Nevertheless, the city mayor reiterated his appeal to the public to cooperate in the fight against the unseen enemy.
He reminded everyone experiencing symptoms similar to the viral illness not be afraid of getting tested.
“Let us remember that each of us has a part in protecting our people. Please take care of yourselves, and follow health protocols,” Treñas said.
Meanwhile, the city government established a committee for the purchase, distribution, storage, and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines once these become available next year./PN
