COVID-19 infections continue to dwindle

CEBU, Philippines —  Only an average of five new COVID-19 cases daily has been noted by the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas from January 22 to 28.

The data shows an improvement of the average seven cases daily recorded from January 15 to 22.

According to DOH-7, there were only 35 new COVID-19 cases recorded in the last week of January with one death but no critical condition was reported.

The data also shows that only eight of the 81 ICU beds are occupied while 27.61 percent of the 989 non-ICU beds are currently utilized.

The health department also reported that 4,805,352 of the target population in Central Visayas have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of January 30, 2023.

The figure is already close to achieving the 5,705,754 target individuals or 70 percent of the population in the region. The 70 percent vaccinated population is the ideal immunization rate to achieve herd immunity against the virus.

The DOH-7 said that 1,095,319 individuals were already given booster shots as of January 30, 2023. There were additional 3,885 individuals vaccinated with booster shots from January 23 to 29, 2023.

At least 60.80 percent of the senior citizens group was already vaccinated with their primary series. Central Visayas has a total senior citizens population of 677,106.

Health officials reminded the public not to be complacent and continue to observe the minimum public health standards. — FPL (FREEMAN)