BUTUAN CITY - The regional office of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) reported Friday night five new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region.
“As of August 14, 2020, DOH Caraga reports receipt of 89 RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) results from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) sub-national laboratory where 84 tested negative, and five turned positive for the COVID-19 virus,” it said.
Of the five positive cases, three were locally stranded individuals (LSIs), while two were health care workers (HCW) who came in close contact with COVID-19 cases.
The new confirmed cases were distributed in the following areas: Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (2), municipalities of Surigao del Sur: Cortes (2) and Marihatag (1).
Most of the cases (4) were asymptomatic, while only one exhibited mild signs and symptoms. Moreover, all cases were strictly monitored in the designated quarantine facilities.
To date, the number of COVID-19 confirmed positive cases in Caraga region totals 377 with 304 recoveries that have been discharged and released, leaving 72 active cases.
Meanwhile, officials of the DOH 13 reminded Caraganons to strictly use the required protective gears to stop the spread of COVID-19 disease cases in Caraga region.
“DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0345 dated August 10, 2020, described the specifications of a non-medical grade face shield for community use,” DOH 13 Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said.
He said it should be made of a clear plastic or acetate material, with good visibility, fog resistant, robust material that can easily be cleaned or disinfected, and is disposable and reusable.
“It should have an adjustable band to firmly attach the head, fits snuggly against the forehead, and completely covers the face,” the region’s health chief said.
“This newly classified device can complement to the mandatory use of face masks especially when in public places,” he said.
However, he said it should be correctly used and regularly cleaned to serve its purpose.
“Again, the minimum health standards should be observed and followed like proper hand washing or hand hygiene, physical distancing and/or simply staying at home. All approaches must be practiced, because no one strategy can substitute the other,” Llacuna added.