City Hall raises alarm as COVID-19 cases surge

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Responding to a concerning uptick in COVID-19 cases, the Iloilo City Health Office (ICHO) issued an advisory highly recommending residents to start wearing face masks.

The increasing figures have raised alarm among health officials, prompting proactive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“As of today, we have 15 new reported cases, a total of 79 active cases, with a total of 1,290 confirmed cases since January 1. What is alarming is the increasing number of cases,” reported Dr. Jan Reygine Ansino, medical officer of Iloilo City Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, during a press conference on December 21.

Dr. Ansino emphasized the importance of wearing face masks, especially in close, crowded places, hospitals, and clinics.

The advisory extends to all city government employees and visitors entering the City Hall building, who are now mandated to wear face masks as a precautionary measure.

The City Health Office also encouraged everyone to observe proper hygiene practices such as handwashing and alcohol use, to avoid contracting COVID-19.

The surge in cases is attributed to various factors, including the flu season, the return to face-to-face classes, and the resumption of office work. Most cases were in the 21 to 30-year-old age bracket, which includes health workers and students.

Dr. Ansino also highlighted the return of some residents who have not been vaccinated due to pre-existing health conditions, religious beliefs, or vaccine hesitancy. This leads to a lack of herd immunity which hastens the spread of the disease.

“So, if magbalik ni sila, kon gamay lang sa aton ang vaccinated kag wala kita natawag nga herd immunity, magmasakit ni sila, galapta lang,” she said.

She also emphasized the vulnerability of specific demographics, particularly unvaccinated children and elderly.

“Most of our cases are mild, ang problema kon damo kita mild tapos kon may mga bata kita nga indi vaccinated sila ni ang mas kaluluoy. May mga tigulang kita nga indi vaccinated or immunocompromised, sila ni ya ang ga-suffer the most, indi kita nga nami ang immune system,” she added.

Dr. Ansino urged residents not to be complacent even with mild symptoms, as COVID-19 can progress rapidly.

While waiting for updates from the Department of Health (DOH) regarding vaccines’ availability, she stressed that prevention and avoidance are currently the best approaches.

The health official also emphasized the improved situation this year due to a higher vaccination rate but urged continued vigilance and preventive measures.