Ilocos region: Average COVID-19 cases nearly double

The blood pressure rate of senior citizens is taken before they get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. (File Photo)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—The average number of COVID-19 cases in the Ilocos region nearly doubled between July 3 and July 9, with a 92.9-percent increase in cases reported compared with the previous week, the regional Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

The average daily number of cases last week reached 23, with at least 164 new COVID-19 cases added to the regional tally, the data show.

Of the new cases, at least two were considered severe and critical.

The regional DOH also verified at least one death related to the virus.

Last week, at least five cases of the Omicron BA.5 sub-variant were detected in the region.

The healthcare utilization rate in the region, however, remained at a “safe” level with 13 percent, or 29 of the 227 intensive care unit (ICU) beds dedicated to COVID-19 patients occupied.

At least 16 percent, or 239 of the 1,480 non-ICU beds, were occupied, the DOH added.

Of the 3.7 million individuals in the region vaccinated fully against COVID 19 as of July 9, only 23 percent or 870,635 residents had received their booster shots. INQ