ANTIQUE – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Antique is reminding the public to still observe minimum health protocols as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persists.
A total of 38 active cases were recorded in the province as of Jan. 7. These were from the municipalities of San Jose (nine), Hamtic (six), Patnongon (four), Sibalom (four), Anini-y (two), Barbaza (two), Belison (two), Laua-an (two), Pandan (two), Tibiao (two), Culasi (one), Libertad (one), and San Remigio (one).
Since the disease hit, Antique has logged 10,624 total cases, of which 10,170 were recoveries and 416 were deaths.
PHO released the first COVID-19 bulletin of the year as a reminder to Antiqueños to still follow minimum health protocols such as mask-wearing when experiencing influenza-like symptoms (cough, cold, fever), good hygiene, frequent handwashing, and good ventilation in densely populated areas.
“COVID is still here; we are living with it,” said Dr. Leoncio Abiera, Jr., Provincial Health Officer I.
Abiera said that new COVID-19 cases emerged with the spike in festivities, reunions, and gatherings.
Though social distancing is no longer followed, Abiera said that everyone should not forget that the virus is still going around.
Abiera is more concerned that the virus might spread to unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or persons with comorbidities.
“Padumdum nga dyan ang COVID kag kon hindi kita mag-practice kang minimum public health standard, pwede gid ang mga unvaccinated kag ang mga vulnerable, immunocompromised nga mga groups amo gid to magsururot kag magtaas liwan atun admission rate,” reminded Abiera.
Hospital Protocols
For admission protocols at the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital, patients who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic are no longer tested for COVID-19. The same is extended to their guardians.
Meanwhile, unvaccinated patients and guardians will undergo rapid antigen tests. Only suspected COVID-19 cases are required to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests.
This is under Executive Order No. 162, Series of 2023, signed by Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao on August 2023. (With a report from PIO LAVEGA, Provincial Government of Antique)/PN
