Most prevalent in Cebu City during GCQ: Work to home transmission

CEBU, Philippines —   Workplace to household transmission has been identified as the most prevalent mode of COVID-19 infection in Cebu City since the city transitioned to general community quarantine.

 This is based on data collected by the city’s local contact tracing team these past weeks, interpreted by the Department of Health (DOH).

 Interestingly, when news came out that Cebu City has flattened the curve of infection on August 21, the city recorded 39 new cases, the highest in the past seven days, which caused some alarm and concern.

The city found out during contact tracing that 15 of the 39 cases were exposure to two working individuals who previously tested positive for COVID-19, referred to as index cases.

“Being close household contact, all family members, as well as those close contacts of the index cases at work, were subsequently swabbed. As a result, 10 and five family members of the two index cases were found positive,” said Councilor Joel Garganera, deputy chief implementer of the Cebu City Emergency Operations Center.

 Residents who are back at work are urged to be more mindful of health protocols both in the workplace and at home.

Dr. Michelle Linsalata also of the EOC explained that when a person is at work or doing errands, that person is already exposed and it only takes one health protocol breached to get infected.

“So if you are going out, act as if you are positive even at home. Workplace to household transmission is a reality for all of us,” Garganera said.

With this, workers and their employees reporting to work are reminded to strictly enforce safety and health protocols within the work premises.

 “We all have the responsibility to take care of our people and their families too,” Garganera said.

 Meanwhile, 14 cases reported on August 20 were found to be persons under police custody (PUPCs) and are currently detained.

The city’s contact tracers and swabbing teams have visited the jail to assess the situation and test those who have been exposed. Nine staff members and personnel, 20 detainees, and a striker are under monitoring while awaiting test results.

The EOC is also coordinating closely with detention facilities to ensure health and safety of residents and administrators.

The EOC assured it will continue to work hard to stop the virus from spreading virus, even as Cebu City is left with only 1,255 active cases, including 12 new ones based on DOH data as of August 22.

It asked the public do its part in observing health protocols strictly, especially now that more people are going outside as quarantine restrictions are loosened up for the economy to recover.

It also asked the public to report any establishment or workplace that does not follow health protocols set for businesses and offices under GCQ.

One may report to EOC’s hotlines -- 233-4194, 254-8637, 411-0126, 411-0102 or at 0923-9378599, 0923-9378596, 0909-9431037, and/or 0909-9402158. — JMO (FREEMAN)