Iloilo City sounds alarm over increasing COVID-19 deaths

The Iloilo City government sounded the alarm over the increasing number of COVID-19 deaths recorded this year.

Data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) showed that a total of 43 deaths were recorded in the city from January to May this year.

This is an alarming increase compared to the lone death recorded from March to May last year when the pandemic started.

Out of the 43 deaths, 28 deaths were directly caused by COVID-19 while 11 died due to comorbidities but tested positive for Covid-19. Four deaths were also recorded but were still for verification.

According to CESU, the city’s mortality rate is at 2.46% much higher than the 1.67% national mortality rate recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) as of May 12.

The DOH has explained that the case fatality rate is computed based on the number of deaths from COVID-19, over the number of confirmed cases.

As of May 12, the total registered cases in Iloilo City climbed to 6,481 with 5,653 recoveries and 188 deaths. On the same day, the city has also recorded 51 additional cases including two deaths.

The two new deaths include a 69-year-old male from Dungon, Mandurriao and a 67-year-old male from Tabuc Suba, Jaro.

Following the notable increase of Covid-19 deaths in the metro, Mayor Jerry Treñas appealed to the public to be vigilant and not complacent.

“I urge every Ilonggo to protect themselves, their families, co-workers, and the public by being conscious of preventive measures. There’s an urgent need to be vigilant and not complacent. Isolate when you feel sick. Report to barangay those with symptoms. Seek early medical attention if not feeling well,” he said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Treñas signed executive order (EO) No. 39-A providing additional health interventions to be imposed in the metro to curb the increasing Covid-19 cases.

The EO prohibits non-essential mass gatherings particularly gatherings which are purely recreational, for leisure, or that which is not intended for medical and/or humanitarian purposes.

Moreover, public outdoor and indoor swimming pools, hotels, establishments condominiums with swimming amenities will not be accessible to the public for a period of one week from May 12, 2021 until May 19 unless extended or otherwise.

The EO also limits religious gatherings, workplaces, and food establishments up to 30%. (ERS)