Cebu City now has only five active COVID-19 cases

CEBU, Philippines — Three days before the year ends, Cebu City is left with only five active cases of COVID-19, the Emergency Operations Center said.

EOC deputy chief implementer City Councilor Joel Garganera said all five are under home isolation which, under existing rules, is allowed as long as the home is qualified.

Despite the more pressing matters the city government is faced with, particularly the clearing and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of Typhoon Odette, Garganera said the city remains vigilant against COVID-19.

In fact, he added, testing continues even as the city grapples with the absence of power and water supply in most areas.

Last Tuesday, December 28, 370 individuals were tested for coronavirus in Cebu City. None turned out positive.

For its part, the Department of Health in Central Visayas also continues its testing efforts, but samples from communities are low at the moment.

The low sample turnout, though, is understandable, according to DOH-7 chief pathologist Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, since most local government units are still busy rebuilding.

“We understand that the focus now is on rehabilitation and recovery,” she said.

Loreche, however, said that LGUs are expected to do surveillance testing after the New Year.

Earlier, she said that DOH-7 data was incomplete due to power and internet connectivity problems. However, she was quick to add that based on their monitoring, no increase in the number of COVID-19 cases was seen.

Get vaxxed

As usual, DOH-7 and the Visayas Vaccination Operations Center continue to appeal to the unvaccinated public to get the COVID-19 shots as soon as they can. Those who are already qualified to get the booster shot are also urged to do it soonest.

“We are still racing against Omicron (a relatively new variant of concern of COVID-19 virus) and also because of the most recent typhoon that hit us, there will be other illnesses that can affect our health. Being vaccinated against COVID-19 somehow protects us and can help minimize health challenges,” said Loreche.

A surge in COVID-19 cases due to holiday and post-holiday celebrations and due to Typhoon Odette is being anticipated across the country, including Cebu.

Thus, Loreche called on everyone to remain vigilant, to continue to observe the minimum health protocols, and to get vaccinated. --/JMD (FREEMAN)