BUTUAN CITY – The regional office of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) reported Tuesday night 20 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region.

“As of August 11, 2020, DOH Caraga reports 123 RT-PCR results received from Southern Philippines Medical Center molecular sub-national laboratory and Northern Mindanao Gene Expert TB Reference Laboratory where 103 tested negative and 20 turned positive for the COVID-19 virus,” it said.

Out of the 20 new cases, 11 were locally stranded individuals (LSIs), six local transmissions from Butuan City, and three returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs). 

The new confirmed cases were distributed in the following areas: Butuan City (7), Bayugan City (1), Surigao City (1), Bislig City (4), Nasipit, Agusan del Norte (1), municipalities in Agusan del Sur-Loreto (1), Prosperidad (1), Rosario (1), Veruela (1), and municipalities in Surigao del Norte-Mainit (1), Malimono (1). 

And of these cases, 19 were asymptomatic, while only one exhibited mild symptoms, the DOH-CHD said. 

All cases are strictly being monitored and managed in the designated quarantine facilities region-wide. 

As of this writing, Caraga region’s COVID-19 confirmed cases now total 372 with 269 (72%) recoveries that have been discharged and released, leaving a total of 102 active cases.

DOH Caraga recommended that, in order to prevent the further spread of infection, especially in the workplaces, management should implement policies for the health and safety of their workers to include: installation of physical protective barriers and regular monitoring of individual health practices such as wearing of facemask, respiratory hygiene (cough etiquette) and proper physical distancing when interacting with clients and co-workers. 

“Again, we appeal to all LSIs, ROFs and close contacts to respect and strictly follow the 14-day quarantine and other health precautions implemented by our local government units (LGUs) together with the barangay officials and health authorities,” DOH 13 Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said. 

“More importantly, we continually remind the public to consistently and correctly wear facemask at all times and make sure that it covers your nose, mouth and chin. Do not remove this when talking, coughing and sneezing unless otherwise needed such as when eating and drinking. The risk will also decrease when we maintain physical distance of at least one meter from people and these physical barriers are essential in preventing infection, nevertheless our strong immune system is our foremost defense,” Llacuna added.