Active COVID-19 cases in Ilocos Norte climb to 384

Health workers in Ilocos Norte continue to conduct aggressive contact tracing to contain the spread of COVID-19. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

LAOAG CITY –– The total number of active COVID-19 cases in Ilocos Norte has climbed to 384 after 42 residents were infected Tuesday, June 8, health authorities said.

At least 12 of the new cases were detected in this capital city, which remains the epicenter of COVID-19 in the province, local health data showed.

The rest of the new cases were found in the towns of Badoc (6), San Nicolas (5), Bacarra (5), Bangui (4), Vintar (2), Paoay (1), Sarrat (1), Pagudpud (1), Piddig (1), Dingras (1), and Batac City (3).

In Pagudpud town, local authorities announced Tuesday the temporary closure of its health unit after an employee tested positive of the disease.

“We will not accept or [do consultations for] patients for now to ensure [our] safety,” the public advisory said.

The town of Bacarra has reverted to the least restrictive modified general community quarantine starting June 6, according to the executive order issued by Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

The town, which was previously on localized modified enhanced community quarantine, had seen a decrease in the number of active COVID-19 cases, from 124 active ones two weeks ago down to 67 so far.

LZB