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DOH attributes spike in Western Visayas COVID-19 cases to contact tracing

Philippines | Luzon

DOH attributes spike in Western Visayas COVID-19 cases to contact tracing

By Tara Yap

ILOILO CITY—The Department of Health (DOH 6) attributed the spike in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Western Visayas region to contact tracing of previous positive cases.

This vendor is only one of the few vendors at a market in Iloilo City that is seen wearing a face shield for extra protection against COVID-19. (Tara Yap/Manila Bulletin)

This was disclosed by DOH-6 Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Jessie Glen Alonasbe as he bared data that showed COVID-19 cases, recorded Monday and Sunday, surpassing previous records of highest single-day cases when 230 and 203 new cases were recorded, respectively.

“The public should understand this is not real-time data and it is only being released on those days,” Alonsabe told Manila Bulletin Tuesday, September 1.

“It is also natural that we were able to trace contacts of previous positive cases,” Alonsabe emphasized.

For instance, the 83 new cases recorded in Iloilo City for August 31 were mostly traced from cases linked to the fishing port and a call center.

“It’s the same in Bacolod City, where the new cases are linked to previous cases,” Alonsabe noted.

The regional chief epidemiologist also pointed out that results for COVID-19 swab tests can take anywhere from three to five days, but some of the specimens have been swabbed from potential cases a week ago.

While there are now COVID-19 testing centers in both the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod, there are still hindrances in their full operation, such as medical technologists of laboratories becoming infected with COVID-19 and manpower.

Meanwhile, there are now 2,301 active cases of COVID-19 in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces. This brings a total of 4,684 cases recorded since March.

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