VALDERRAMA, Antique – Fourteen new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were recorded here on Aug. 23. Eight of these were youngsters below 18 years old.
“Majority of the identified first and second layer contacts of these new cases are now under home quarantine and strict monitoring by our health personnel,” said Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero.
The eight youngsters with COVID-19 infections were the following:
* 17-year-old female from Barangay Takas
* 10-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* three-year-old female from Barangay Ubos
* 17-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* 15-year-old female from Barangay Ubos
* 13-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* 10-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* five-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
“We are requesting for the continued cooperation (of their first and second layer contacts). Always abide by the imposed quarantine protocols,” said Roquero.
The Department of Health (DOH) has advised the adult population to keep children safe against the coronavirus by first protecting themselves through vaccination since the country is unable to inoculate them yet.
Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said vaccination of eligible individuals is the most important measure in preventing spread of the disease to families, friends and communities.
“Kapag kayo ay eligible na, magpabakuna po kayo para po ang ating mga kabataan ay maprotektahan din po,” Vergeire said.
DOH called this the “cocoon strategy.”
“Kung lahat po ng ating adult population within the household are vaccinated there is lesser chance for children to be infected,” said Vergeire.
The other new COVID-19 cases in Valderrama were the following:
* 42-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* 51-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* 41-year-old female from Barangay Ubos
* 79-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* 45-year-old male from Barangay Ubos
* 78-year-old male from Barangay Takas
Twelve of the new cases were from Barangay Ubos and most of them were close contacts of the town’s COVID-19 case number 131, a 42-year-old female resident.
“We ardently remind the public to avoid complacency. Always practice the minimum public health standards such as the wearing of facemask and face shield, observe social distancing and frequent hand-washing,” said Roque.
She also urged her constituents to “avoid non-essential travel and spreading unverified information.”
As of Aug. 23, Valderrama had 56 active COVID-19 cases and two deaths.
Ang active cases were in the villages of Canipayan (one), Iglinab (two), Lublub (one), Pandanan (four), Takas (25), Tigmamale (one), and Ubos (22)./PN
