City still grappling with COVID cases

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

 

Iloilo City continues to struggle with rising cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Based on data provided from City Hall, new cases are still ranging between 40 and 60 cases since Oct 23.

On Friday, the City COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reported 56 new cases, 61 on Oct 24, and 42 on Oct 25.

As of 12 pm on Oct 26, the city logged 7 new cases.

The data were from the City Health Office.

Mayor Jerry Treñas also noted sporadic new cases in commercial establishments.

“High number of cases was recorded in an appliance store, therefore, we will be closing the establishment for contact tracing and swab testing. We cannot put the life of every people at risk, they purchase their necessities in business establishments, that is why it is always a must to take an action immediately to stop the transmission of the virus,” Treñas said.

The mayor said the local government is exploring possible ways to help flatten the curve of new COVID-19 cases.

“We ask our residents especially our public servants to make sure that we can help stop the transmission especially in those barangays with a high number of cases.”

The city will also ensure security in cemeteries as the All Souls’ and All Saints’ approach.

The national and local governments have banned visits to memorial parks and cemeteries from Oct 24 to Nov 4 to avoid crowds which could become super-spreaders of the virus.

“We will strengthen our forces in memorial parks and cemeteries for the coming of All Souls Day since we do not allow visitations to prevent the spread of the virus because of the mass gathering. We encourage our families to try and visit their deceased on other days. Paying respect and remembering them does not need to be just on holidays. Praying for them is what’s more important,” Treñas said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government hired 227 contact tracers in Iloilo City.

The contact tracers will be assigned to the Contact Tracing Team of the Iloilo City COVID Team.