EOC records high negativity rate for COVID ‘probables’

BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia urged all Bacolodnons to undergo swab test, saying there is nothing to fear as “probables” often yield negative results for COVID-19.

Data from the Emergency Operations Center Task Force (EOC-TF) showed that from Sept. 30 to Dec. 2, a total of 1,228 of 1,507 patients with flu-like symptoms (“probables”) tested negative for the viral disease, or an 81 percent negativity rate.

The latest record of the EOC covering the 14-day period from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2 also showed that 182 out of 219 “probables” yielded negative results after undergoing swab tests, or an 86 percent negativity rate.

Leonardia said Bacolodnons need not worry about getting tested.

As the data show, not all those who have symptoms turn out to be positive, he stressed.

Leonardia again encouraged Bacolodnons to seek early consultation upon showing flu-like symptoms, “even the mildest ones.”

Early detection is among the tenets of the City Government’s “Halong, Ugyon Bacolod” campaign that was launched in October. It primarily focuses on the conduct of simultaneous inspection, monitoring, and education activities.

To strengthen the early detection strategy, the EOC has been conducting a series of surveillance testing.

The most recent subjects of the surveillance testing were 548 individuals composed of food delivery service crews, cockfighting staff, and personnel from the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) where four tested positive for COVID-19 — 2 coming from each group or a 0.73 percent positivity rate.

According to Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, the EOC is set to conduct COVID-19 tests for officers of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), personnel of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), and members of the transport sector who were not able to undergo prior surveillance testing.

“Do not be afraid to seek early consultation. If you have COVID-19, it will be treated immediately and if it turns out you don’t, it’s much better because it will release a big burden on your mental health, especially when you have thoughts that you might be spreading the virus to your loved ones,” said City Administrator Em Ang.

“This will give them (tested patients) the opportunity to continue life free from stress and anxiety,” she added. (PIO)