Medical group alarmed by rapid spike in COVID cases

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – A group of medical practitioners aired its concern over the rapid increase in coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 infections in the city.

Dr. Dolores Rommela Ruiz, president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, said they noticed that COVID cases are rapidly spreading among family members.

Ruiz said hospitals in this city have been overwhelmed by the growing number of COVID patients.

More severe and critical cases of COVID are also emerging as some patients need to be intubated.

Based on their records, Ruiz said at least 50 patients are waitlisted at the Riverside Medical Center, 30 at the Bacolod Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital, and 30 at the Bacolod Doctors’ Hospital.

While they don’t push for stricter quarantine status, the group said what is needed is for the public to abide with minimum health protocols.

Data from the Department of Health Region- 6 showed that Bacolod City has 142 new cases, 152 new recoveries, and 3 new deaths as of Thursday.

The new cases include 139 local transmissions, 2 authorized persons outside residence, and 1 is LSI.

The total case tally in the city is 9,909, including 1,257 active cases.