By Mike Crismundo
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) tallied 31 new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region late Monday afternoon.
“DOH Caraga announces 31 new RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Caraga region,” the DOH-CHD said.
Of the 31 cases, 22 were locally stranded individuals (LSIs), one returning overseas Filipino (ROF), eight workers in the mining industry who came from Luzon and the Visayas.
Cases were distributed in the following areas: Butuan City (3), Cabadbaran City (1), Buenavista, ADN (1), Surigao City (4), municipalities in Surigao del Norte- Alegria (3), Placer (2), Claver (8), Malimono (2) and Socorro (2), Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (2), Tandag City (1) and Bislig City (2), it said.
Twenty-seven cases were asymptomatic, and all were isolated in the different local government units (LGUs) quarantine facilities for strict monitoring.
Four cases have mild symptoms and are presently admitted in identified treatment facilities in the region, the DOH-CHD in Caraga region said.
The agency also reported 92 negative test results.
“We recently declared that there is now local transmission in Butuan City and we reiterate the importance of strict quarantine procedures to ROFs and LSIs, and faithfully follow isolation measures for at least 14 days especially for RT-PCR, Rapid Antibody-based tests, probable cases and asymptomatic RT-PCR confirmed cases,” DOH 13 Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said.
To date, Caraga region has 87 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases.
Of the 87 confirmed cases, 16 have already tested negative and recovered; while 86.21
percent is asymptomatic.
“We appeal to everyone to stay at home if there is no need to go outside and always wear mask when going out,” stressed Llacuna.
“Anyone can be affected by the virus so there is a need for community cooperation. For individual strength of the body’s immune system resistance, eat nutritious food, get eight hours of sleep, exercise at least 30 minutes daily and listen to updated health advisories,” the region’s top health official added.