SLOW BUT SUSTAINED SPIKE: Region 6 has yet to flatten COVID-19 curve

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

With 62 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 24 recoveries, Western Visayas has yet to flatten the curve or increase in cases, according to the Department of Health Center for Health Development in Western Visayas (DOH-CHD-6).

Dr. May Ann Soliva-Sta. Lucia, cluster head of Health Promotion of DOH-CHD 6, said the number of cases in the region is increasing but in a “slow” yet “sustained” manner.

“We cannot say or declare that as of this time we have already flattened the curve because the cases are still ongoing. Whereas in other regions, the number of cases is increasing but, in our case, it is increasing in a slow yet sustained manner,” Sta. Lucia said in an online briefing Monday.

Based on the latest bulletin issued by the health department on Monday, no new COVID-19 cases were reported in the region.

“Out of the 136 laboratory results released on April 26, there were no new positive cases and positive repeat tests. All the 136 samples tested negative for COVID-19,” Sta. Lucia said.

The total COVID-19 cases in the region remain at 62 with seven admitted to hospitals; nine are under home quarantine; 13 are under facility quarantine; and nine deaths.

Out of the 62 patients, 24 have already recovered from COVID-19.

Previously, the health department said that there is a need for additional data to determine the clear picture of COVID-19 transmission in Western Visayas.