BACOLOD CITY—At least 11 people in Negros Occidental died of COVID-19 in the first 11 days of December alone, mostly involving persons who were yet to be vaccinated against the disease, health officials said.
A report from the Provincial Incident Management Team also showed that there were 287 active COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental as of Dec. 11.
Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, Negros Occidental provincial health officer, reiterated his call for Negrenses to get vaccinated against COVID-19, especially that there are numerous gatherings during the Christmas season.
“Majority of deaths related to COVID-19 in the province involved unvaccinated persons with comorbidities,” he said.
“People should get protected before joining family gatherings and parties this Christmas,” he added.
Majority of the COVID-19 cases, he said, were mild or asymptomatic.
“Most of the cases were discovered after patients were tested for COVID-19 as a requirement prior to treatment for other ailments,” he said.
The Negros Occidental government no longer required passengers to present COVID-19 vaccination cards when arriving at Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City starting on Dec. 1 to “harmonize with domestic airport protocols, especially in Manila,” said Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz.