By Nino Luces
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay - The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here announced Sunday morning that six new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were recorded, as of 6 a.m. April 19.
DOH Bicol Regional Director Dr. Ernie Vera said five of the new cases were recorded in Albay, while Catanduanes recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 case.
He said Bicol now has a total of 25 COVID-19 positive cases.
Vera said that the 20th confirmed case was a 54-year old male, who had a history of travel from Marikina City, and was currently at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH).
The 21st confirmed case was a 50-year old female, who was exposed to a COVID-19.
The three other COVID-19 cases from Albay were all women aged 28 to 57 years old.
The patient from Catanduanes was a 63-year-old female who had travel victory to Japan, and was being treated at the Eastern Medical Center.
Vera stated that, of the six new cases, two were admitted at hospital, one was on home quarantine, while the status of the three others were still being validated.
He added two persons under investigation (PUIs) have already tested negative, while three others were still awaiting the result of their tests.
"Vigilance, preparedness and solidarity are the characters we need to have a fighting chance in this battle against COVID-19. DOH-CHD Bicol reiterates the fight against COVID-19 is not yet over. We are at war with an invisible enemy which to this day stays unpredictable. Cases are still increasing which means that we should always keep our shields up," Vera said.
Vera reminded the public anew to practice preventive measures like social distancing, regular handwashing, cough etiquette, and disinfection of frequently touched objects.
"Stay at home at all times unless it is neccesary to go out. When going outside, wear mask and maintain a 1 meter distance from other persons. Upon returning home, wash hands and leave your shoes or slippers at your doorstep," he said.