COVID cases remain low in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines —  The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains to be a threat to public health albeit the number of cases recorded by the health authorities in Central Visayas continues to dwindle in the past weeks.

Department of Health (DOH-7) reported that the region recorded 36 new COVID-19 cases from March 5 to 11 or an average of five cases daily. The region also reported one fatality due to COVID.

As of March 11, 19 patients are listed under severe and critical admissions. However, ICU bed utilization remains low with only four occupied out of 77 beds. For non-ICU beds, only 24.18 percent is occupied.

Overall, the country has recorded a total of 4,078,137 cases since the pandemic started. Most have already recovered while 66,226 succumbed to the disease. At present, there are still 9,084 active cases on record. Region 7 remains in the top 5 regions with active cases.

Meanwhile, a total of 4,810,428 individuals have already been vaccinated as of March 9. Van Phillip Baton, DOH-7 program manager on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, said the number of vaccinated individuals is already more than 70 percent of the target population.

According to Baton, a total of 1,116,983 individuals had also received their booster shots. Health officials remind the public not to be complacent and ensure their safety by getting themselves vaccinated and boosted. — FPL (FREEMAN)