COVID-19 cases in WV reach 40

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

Cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the region is now at 40 but the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas (DOH-CHD) 6 said confirmed cases have slowed down with zero additional cases middle of last week.

As of April 11, 2020, DOH-CHD 6 recorded the 40^th case in Western Visayas, a 44-year-old male from La Paz, Iloilo City who had travel history in United Kingdom (UK). He is currently admitted to a hospital.

On Friday, the health department reported zero additional cases after 76 laboratory results were negative for COVID-19.

Zero confirmed cases were also reported on Wednesday as all 87 specimens tested negative for the virus.

Dr. May Ann Soliva-Sta. Lucia, spokesperson of DOH-CHD 6, said that while the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has indeed slowed down in the past week, they have yet to verify the trend of infections in the region.

“Gamay gamay ang gasulod nga cases this week and there were times na zero kita. I have already tasked the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) to make a graph so that we will know the trend of Covid-19 cases in the region,” she said in an online press briefing on Sunday.

Out of the 40 total COVID-19 cases in the region, Sta. Lucia said 13 are admitted while 14 are under home quarantine.

Iloilo Provinces recorded the highest cases at 15 with four deaths; Bacolod City with seven including one death; Iloilo City with five including one death; Aklan, six; Capiz, four with one death; Antique, two; and Negros Occidental, one.

In the region, the Guimaras province stands strong as the only province that remains free from COVID-19.

Meanwhile, persons under investigation (PUIs) in the region totaled to 822.

PUIs are individuals with travel history in places with confirmed cases and exposure to positive case and exhibited signs and symptoms.