THE Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) has recorded a clustering of Covid-19 cases in 33 workplaces in the entire region, with total cases reaching 1,145.

During a virtual presser on Friday, January 29, 2021, DOH-Davao Data Manager Dr. Rachel Joy Fernando-Pasion presented their clustering report that showed that they were able to record cases in nine types of workplaces, both from government and private sector.

In terms of number of workplaces, DOH-Davao recorded the most number of clustering of cases in seven different private establishments, with a total of 156 cases, 34 of which are still recovering and in seven government agencies with 62 total cases, where 56 are still active.

In terms of total number of cases, six hospitals recorded the highest with 713 total cases, wherein 106 are still active cases.

Three banks also recorded clustering of cases with a total of 43 cases (20 active cases); three treatment facilities with 15 cases (12 active); three "events" with 30 cases (all are active cases); two police stations with 27 cases (21 active); a residential building with 96 cases (all active cases); and a church with three total cases (all active).

Pasion did not further elaborate on the details of their report nor specifically identified the name of the places.

DOH-Davao Assistant Director Lenny Joy Rivera said the non-observation of the minimum health protocol within the offices is one of the main factors of the transmission.

Davao City Covid-19 focal person Dr. Ashley Lopez also said in a recent interview that there is an increasing number of transmission within workplaces.

Lopez cited workplaces such as banks, manufacturing companies, and business process outsourcing firms have recorded an increase in the number of cases.

Aside from failure to observe the health protocols, poor ventilation is also one factor.

DOH and the World Health Organization had emphasized the importance of having adequate ventilation in preventing the virus that causes Covid-19 from spreading indoors.