Rising COVID-19 trend observed in Visayas and Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — While there has been an overall decline in the number of new infections of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 in the country, a rising trend of cases in four areas in the Visayas and Mindanao has been observed, the Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said an increase of as much as 200 percent has been noted on Dinagat Island and Sarangani in Mindanao as well as in Ormoc and Eastern Samar in the Visayas.

“Many areas are having a downward trend, but there are some that are still seeing an increase,” Vergeire said.

She said several reasons are being considered for the increase, but the DOH is validating them based on its own criteria.

In Ormoc, Vergeire said the local government detected a cluster of cases among health care workers.

In Eastern Samar, the rise was attributed to increase in testing.

The rising trend on Dinagat Islands was blamed on the opening of its port.

Explain

Meanwhile, the police chief of Pangasinan has been ordered to explain why border checkpoints across the province have been relaxed despite the continuous  threat of COVID-19.

Col. Redrico Maranan was asked to appear in the next session of the provincial board to explain the matter.

Board member Jeremy Agerico Rosario of the fourth district said that although Pangasinan is under modified general community quarantine, the threat of COVID remains.