• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
While COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental are rising, it is not alarming, Dr. Girlie Pinongan, Provincial Health Office acting chief, said yesterday.
From January to April 24 this year, PHO logged 505 COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental, with nine deaths.
Pinongan, however stressed that the rise in COVID infections is not alarming, as patients only exhibited mild symptoms.
Independent pandemic monitor Octa Research reported that the COVID-19 positivity rate in Negros Occidental further increased from to 14.4 percent as of April 29, a figure which is almost triple the World Health Organization’s ideal threshold for positivity rate, which is five percent.
Pinongan reported that 12 COVID-19 cases are being treated at the Cadiz District Hospital, the designated hospital for COVID.
She also reported that majority of the patients who died had comorbidities and were unvaccinated.
The Department of Health earlier assured the public that there is no need to panic as the healthcare utilization rate remains low all over the country.
Pinongan enjoined Negrenses to continue wearing face masks, especially in public transport and crowded places.*
