ILOILO City – The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) recorded 43 deaths related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from January to May this year – a sharp rise from the single death recorded from March to May last year when the pandemic started.
The metropolis posted 2.46 percent mortality rate, higher than the 1.67 national rate as of the May 12 bulletin of the Department of Health, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
There were 28 deaths directly caused by COVID-19.
There were 11 who died due to comorbidities but also tested positive of COVID-19.
Four were recorded for verification pending the release of their death certificates.
Treñas urged Ilonggos to protect themselves, their families, co-workers, and the public by being conscious of COVID-19 preventive measures.
“There’s an urgent need to be vigilant and not complacent. Isolate when you feel sick. Report to (your) barangay (officials) those with symptoms. Seek early medical attention if not feeling well,” Treñas said.
Officials, authorities and medical experts reiterated strict observance and enforcement of health safety protocols such as the wearing of facemask, physical distancing, avoiding mass gatherings and non-essential travel.
As of this writing, Iloilo City had 639 active coronavirus cases.
From May 1 to 12, the CESU logged 309 COVID infections – 141.41 percent higher than the 128 cases recorded in the same period last month.
Data also showed a 133.33 percent increase in the daily average cases of COVID-19 from May 1 to 11 – the city has logged 28 average daily cases while 12 cases per day were recorded in the same period last month.
NEW PROHIBITIONS
Non-essential mass gatherings in this city have been prohibited anew.
This and other additional health interventions stipulated in Executive Order No. 39-A-2021 issued May 12 are effective until May 19.
Gatherings being referred to are those which are purely recreational, for leisure, or those which are not intended for medical and/or humanitarian purposes.
For religious gatherings and wedding and baptismal ceremonies, the limit is a maximum of 30 percent of the venue’s seating capacity.
For wakes and funeral services, only allowed to attend are the deceased’s immediate family and relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity.
Also, wakes should be held indoors, with proper ventilation and with no more than 15 persons visiting at a time.
Funeral rites in churches and similar venues must strictly observe the maximum 30 percent occupancy only of the venue’s total seating capacity.
The maximum number of days for wakes shall be three days and across all settings, the minimum public health protocols such as wearing facemasks and face shields, frequent hand washing and physical distancing must be observed at all times.
The new order also prohibited the operation of entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters; fairs (peryas), kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom and kiddie rides; and cockfighting and operation of cockpits, except for the sole purpose of conducting e-sabong licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Moreover, food establishments operating here shall observe a 30-percent dine-in capacity while for public outdoor and indoor swimming and pools, hotels, establishments and condominiums with swimming amenities shall prohibit access of persons/guests.
As to work arrangement, private establishments and offices are enjoined to operate at 30 percent working capacity while encouraging work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements.
Agencies and instrumentalities of the government are likewise enjoined to operate at 30 percent on-site capacity as determined by the head of agency, in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission.
“Work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements entailing lower numbers of employees working onsite are still highly encouraged,” Treñas said.
For Iloilo City government employees, department heads are directed to adopt work arrangements that entail only 30 percent onsite capacity, insofar as practicable. (With a report from the Iloilo City PIO/PN)
