Ilocos Sur posts high COVID-19 fatality rate among senior citizens

A senior citizen receives a vaccine against COVID-19 at a facility in Vigan City. (Photo courtesy of Vigan city government)

LAOAG CITY—A high fatality rate related to COVID-19 among senior citizens was noted in Ilocos Sur, prompting local officials to speed up the vaccine rollout for one of the most vulnerable sectors.

Provincial health officer Dr. Carmeliza Singson said in a statement Wednesday, Aug. 11, that senior citizens accounted for at least 71 percent of the 115 total deaths due to COVID-19 in the province so far.

Singson said the province would speed up its COVID-19 vaccination drive, particularly among the senior citizens, to reduce their death rate.

The latest provincial health data show that 54 percent of the 63,383 total target population of senior citizens had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

In the capital city of Vigan, seven of the fatalities recorded this month were senior citizens.

Singson said the elderly remain at risk of contracting the virus even when they stay at home.

“What we have observed is that even though senior citizens don’t go out because of our strict protocols, they are exposed to their relatives who can contract the virus outside,” she said. INQ

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