DOH records 1st COVID-19 death in Caraga region
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health's Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) reported late Wednesday afternoon its first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) death in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region.
“This is a case of a 55-year old male from Butuan City who had the onset of symptoms on July 3, 2020 with complaints of fever, cough, colds, and sore throat,” the DOH-CHD report said.
“With no signs of improvement, the patient was admitted in a health facility on July 14, 2020,” it said.
On the second day of hospitalization, the patient developed difficulty in breathing. Specimen was taken and was confirmed as COVID-19 positive based on the RT-PCR laboratory test result.
The patient did not travel outside the city nor was exposed to a confirmed, probable, or a suspect COVID-19 case.
“Thus, this is a case of local transmission,” the DOH-CHD said.
As of press time, DOH-CHD Caraga is closely coordinating with the Local Contract Tracing Team (LCTT) and concerned health facilities to identify the close contacts of the patient to monitor their health status and undergo quarantine procedures.
“We are strongly appealing to all Butuanons and Caraganons to perform and follow the minimum health standards and stay at home and only go outside if necessary,” said DOH 13 Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr.
“When you go out or go to work, wear your face masks and regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitizers,” he said.
Llacuna reminded Caraganons to always maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from people. “These are just basic acts of infection prevention that must be practiced by everyone,” he added.
Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region has a total of 245 COVID-19 positive cases, with one reported death.
Popcom warning
The Commission on Population and Development Caraga (Popcom-Caraga) on Thursday issued a strong warning to the public to observe health measures after the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) positive cases continues to rise in the region.
“Stay at home and avoid unnecessary movement and strictly follow all the health protocols issued by the government agencies and local government units,” said Popcom 13 Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano, in an exclusive interview with The Manila Bulletin on Thursday.
“Public health measures aim to flatten the curve of the increasing number of cases and reduce the mortality rate,” he said.
Makinano added that in this time of crisis in which community quarantine is implemented and school classes are suspended, parents must take the opportunity to teach their children life lessons and skills that can strengthen their personality cores and growth.