COVID-19 deaths in entire Cebu breach 4,000

CEBU, Philippines — More than 4,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the whole of Cebu since the pandemic hit the country, data from the Department of Health-7 showed.

As of Saturday, September 18, 2021, Cebu province has tallied the most deaths among LGUs in Cebu at 2,044.

More than half of these deaths were logged in August to September 18 alone.

Cebu City, on the other hand, has seen 1,271 deaths.

Lapu-Lapu has had 357, a little higher than Mandaue’s 350.

In Central Visayas, COVID-19 related deaths now total 4,463, with Bohol having 179 deaths, Negros Oriental (259), and Siquijor (5).

In Cebu City, most of the deaths noted were unvaccinated, according to Emergency Operations Center deputy chief implementer City Councilor Joel Garganera.

Garganera, a COVID-19 survivor, said he can attest to the “realness” of the disease. Thus, he is appealing to everyone to cooperate.

“I am appealing to all. Christmas is just around the corner. It won’t be a happy one if not all of us are on the same page in this fight against this virus. Get yourself vaccinated,” he said.

Garganera also reminded the unvaccinated to get whatever vaccine is available.

“Don’t choose any vaccine. The one that is available is the best one,” he said.

Aside from vaccination, the EOC implementer also reminded the public to comply with the minimum health protocols.

“Once you get vaccinated, it is not a substitute for protocol compliance. Sul-ob gihapon sa face mask, likay sa pundok-pundok, ug og mahimo exercise kay a healthy body improves your immune system,” said Garganera.

Meanwhile, National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez,  also appealed to the public to get vaccinated now.

 “Magpabakuna na tayo kasi napupuno ang ating mga ospital ng mga unvaccinated,” he said.

Galvez said most of the vaccinated individuals are protected from breakthrough infections.

 “Nakita natin na 'yung mga vaccinated karamihan sinisipon lang at more or less 80%, hindi sila tinatamaan ng breakthrough [infections],” said Galvez. — JMD (FREEMAN)