DOH detects 14-percent rise in COVID-19 cases in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY –– The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol urged the public to be more vigilant and strictly practice public health protocols after recording a 14-percent rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the region during the past week.

The DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) recorded the increase from March 14 to 20. The data showed 117 cases, which is slightly higher than the 103 listed from March 7 to 13.

The RESU expects an increase in cases during the Lenten break when residents from Metro Manila and other regions return to their hometowns.

Noemi Bron, DOH Bicol public affairs chief, said the surge in virus infection cases could also be due to the public’s disregard of the standard health protocols to curb the virus disease spread.

Bron said the agency urges the public to strictly practice the minimum public health standards of wearing face masks and shields, keeping distance, sanitizing hands, and avoiding mass gatherings.

The DOH also enjoins the local governments to strengthen the profiling and screening of incoming travelers for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and recommend quarantine/isolation measures.

As of March 22, Bicol has recorded 5,174 cases of COVID-19 since March last year, with 4,538 recoveries and 226 deaths.

LZB