Covid-19 cases in Iloilo surge in three days

The provincial government of Iloilo province reiterated its call to the public to observe health protocols amid rising Covid-19 cases in the province.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. issued a memorandum on March 10, 2021 to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Director, chiefs of police, municipal and city mayors, and all punong barangays (village chiefs) in the province enjoining them to strictly enforce health protocols and quarantine measures to preempt the spike in Covid-19 cases.

The governor also reiterated Executive Order No. 183 which prohibits public gatherings particularly fiesta, anniversary, wedding and baptismal celebrations; wake viewing, and LGU events such as festivals and other socio-cultural activities.

“Liwat kita nagapanawagan sa inyo padayon nga kooperasyon sa aton away batok sa Covid-19. Base sa aton ginpagwa nga executive order padayon nga ginadili-an ang paghiwat sang mga pagtililipon kaangay sang birthday, kasal, bunyag, kag haya. Likawan anay ang pag-imbita sang inyo mga bisita magluwas lang sa inyo mga himata ukon upod sa balay,” he said in an online video posted on the official Facebook page of the Iloilo provincial government.

Defensor also reminded the public that excursions and holding of events in beach and island resorts should be limited to household members.

Meanwhile, drinking of liquor and other alcoholic drinks in public places in Iloilo province remain prohibited.

From January 1 to March 9, 2021, Covid-19 cases in Iloilo province climbed to 1,654 with 606 active cases, 1,028 recoveries, and 20 deaths, based on data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

Passi City topped the list with the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the province with 444 followed by Banate with 120, Miag-ao (105); Barotac Viejo (87); and Pavia (86).

In terms of the remaining active cases, the town of Banate recorded the highest number of the active cases with 102 followed by Barotac Viejo with 71 active cases; and San Enrique with 44 active cases.

Iloilo province also consistently logged double digit increase in Covid-19 cases from March 9 to March 11.

On March 9, the province recorded 41 new cases in one day followed by 20 new cases on March 10.

On Thursday, 41 new cases were logged in the province wherein 33 are local cases and eight are locally stranded individuals (LSIs). (ERS)