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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Christmas rush leads to spike in COVID-19 cases in E. Visayas

Christmas rush leads to spike in COVID-19 cases in E. Visayas

Published Dec 23, 2020 11:57 am

TACLOBAN CITY - As the streets and establishments get crowded with Christmas shoppers, Eastern Visayas posted a record-breaking number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases on Wednesday.

The Department of Health- Eastern Visayas has reported 244 fresh COVID-19 cases out of 1,472 samples tested by the three laboratories, the highest since the pandemic hit the region. This brings the region’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 10,456.

Samar has logged the most number with 56 new cases coming from Basey (8), Calbayog City (2), Catbalogan City (29), Marabut (1), Paranas (1), Pinabacdao (1), San Jose De Buan (4), Sta. Margarita (1), Sta.Rita (4), Talalora (1), and Zumarraga (4).

Eastern Samar has 53 new cases from Borongan City (14), Giporlos (2), Guiuan (18), Maydolong (1), Oras- (14), Quinapondan (1), and Taft (3).

With the increasing COVID-19 cases in Guiuan, Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan issued an executive order on strict compliance with the no mass gathering policy, including religious gatherings (simbang gabi/misa de gallo) and other meetings, parties, and religious services.

Leyte has 44 new cases from Abuyog (1), Alang-alang (1), Baybay City (3), Barugo (3), Burauen (2), Carigara (10), Dulag (5), Jaro (3), Javier (1), Palo (6), Pastrana (1), Sta. Fe (3), Tabon-tabon (2), Tanauan (2), and Tunga (1).

Tacloban City has 35 fresh COVID-19 cases, while Ormoc City logged 3.

Biliran province has 20 cases coming from Caibiran (2), Kawayan (1), Maripipi (1), and Naval (16).

Northern Samar has 17 from Gamay (4), Mapanas (2), and Palapag (11).

Southern Leyte logged 16 cases from Bontoc (1), Liloan (6), Maasin City (8), and Silago (1).

The latest fatality is a 1-month-old male (EV-9682), from Sta. Rita, Samar , who died on December 19, bringing the total number of deaths to 118.

Meanwhile, DOH-EV also reported that the total recoveries are now at 9,463 or 90.50 percent, while the total active cases are 875 or 8.37 percent.

DOH-EV continues to appeal to the public to avoid large crowds or mass gatherings, keep a physical distance of at least one meter from each other, avoid activities that would last longer than 15 minutes, avoid venues that are not properly ventilated, avoid transmission causing behaviors like singing, shouting, heavy breathing or any physical contact, and wear face masks and face shields properly throughout the activity. (

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