By Niño Luces
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol confirmed three new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region.
DOH Bicol Regional Director Ernie Vera said the total number of confirmed cases in Bicol was now seven.
The fifth confirmed case was a 30-year old Filipino female from Camarines Sur admitted at the Bicol Medical Center (BMC). The patient had travel history from United Arab Emirates and Caloocan City.
The sixth patient was a 60-year old Filipino female from the province of Camarines Sur with travel history from Manila and consulted at a local health facility after experiencing symptoms.
The seventh confirmed case was a 63-year old Filipino male from Albay and his history of exposure was still being established. The patient i at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), according to Vera.
Vera explained that these cases were among those announced by the Central Office earlier which were validated by the DOH CHD – Bicol.
“All confirmed cases are in stable condition. Status updates will be provided by the DOH CHD – Bicol in coordination with the hospitals and LGUs concerned as soon as data are available. The Local Government Units (LGUs) concerned had been provided the necessary data for them to be able to take action and assist in the contact tracing of those who may have been exposed to the confirmed cases,” he said.
Vera said that additional information about confirmed cases is not at the discretion of concerned LGUs provided that they adhere to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act to protect the patients from discrimination.
“Identities and personal information of COVID-19 suspects or cases may only be known if there is consent from the person or demanded by law for the purpose of public safety,” he noted.
Earlier, DOH Bicol announced that the first four confirmed cases were PH765, a 50-year old male; PH766 was a 53-year old foreign national, both residing in Albay province; PH763, a 48-year old female admitted at the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) in Naga City and the 60-year old female from Albay with travel history to Metro Manila.