TACLOBAN CITY –– The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the local transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Eastern Visayas.
Two women, aged 32 and 56, have been infected with the deadly virus by their co-worker in a health facility in Tarangnan town, Samar, bringing the COVID-19 cases in Eastern Visayas to three.
Dr. Minerva Molon, director of the DOH in Eastern Visayas, said the two women would be confined and treated at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVMRC) based in this city.
“We are doing our best to control the spread of the virus by transporting them to the EVRMC,” she said.
Molon said they immediately conducted contract tracing to determine the persons who interacted with the two COVID-19 patients.
“It is further encouraged for these possible contacts to come out and not be ashamed since their cooperation is of utmost importance to stop the spread of the virus in the community,” she said.
A 63-year-old man, who is working in a health facility in Tarangnan town but residing in Calbayog City in Samar province, reportedly infected the two women with the virus.
At least 20 contacts of the 63-year old man, however, turned out negative for the COVID-19.
Molon highlighted the importance of staying at home, practicing personal hygiene, and observing social distancing to contain the spread of the virus.
As of April 2, Tarangnan town has 10 patients under investigation and 42 persons under monitoring.